Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Anjum Chopra, Ajinkya Rahane
Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane [Image Credit: Getty]

Batting coach Vikram Rathour opines that a total in access of 250 would be “a reasonable score” for India in their first innings against New Zealand in the ongoing World Test Championship Final at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.

After Day 1 was washed out, play commences on Day 2. Kane Williamson won the toss and inserted Virat Kohli’s side to bat in bowling-friendly conditions. However, while the rain kept away, it was bad light, with cloud cover over the Ageas Bowl, that interrupted Day 2, and hence 64.4 overs were bowled, in which India scored 146 for the loss of 3 wickets.

Vikram Rathour
Vikram Rathour. (Credits: Web)

Vikram Rathour reckons another 100 runs on Day 3, at least, would be a total which they won’t be perturbed to take, in conditions which will help their troika of pacers as well.

“We would like to score as many runs as possible but 250 plus will be a reasonable score in these conditions,” Vikram Rathour said at the post-day press conference.

A lot of credit should also go to the openers: Vikram Rathour

Vikram Rathour further praises the openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, both of whom were opening for the first time in England in Test cricket. The 52-year-old former India batsman underlined the importance of the 62-run opening stand which both the right-handers put on in 20 overs.

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Shubman Gill And Rohit Sharma
Shubman Gill And Rohit Sharma (Image Credit: Twitter)

In tremendously challenging batting conditions, against a high-quality Kiwi bowling attack, Sharma and Gill rode on their plans chalked up earlier to give India a strong start. Both of them respected the good length balls, and didn’t try to score off them, while putting the bad ones – overpitched and short – away for runs; they also batted well out of the crease to negate the extravagant movement and also used their feet well.

“Batting is about scoring runs. Rohit and Gill showed a lot of intent and looked to score wherever they can. Hats off to Virat and Rahane for the manner in which they batted but a lot of credit should also go to the openers.

 “I think when the ball got a bit older, it started swinging more. Also, the New Zealand pacers hit good areas during the second session,” the batting coach stated.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand WTC Final 2021: Southampton Weather Today, June 20