'He has another challenge': VVS Laxman on how India opener can tackle Boult in WTC final
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has pointed out very crucial technical details that Rohit Sharma will have to keep in mind in order to keep the threat of Boult at bay.
The World Test Championship (WTC) Final between India and New Zealand will be a big test for the Indian batsmen on how to tackle swing and seam movement from the Kiwi pacers. The result of the match could very well depend on how India's top order handles itself in testing conditions.
New Zealand's Tim Southee and Trent Boult have troubled Indian batsmen with the new ball in the past and the Indians would expect nothing less this time either. Experienced India opener Rohit Sharma's role becomes crucial in this match as he has been the man in form with the bat for the Indians and he has the ability to score quick runs and deflate the opposition's morale if he gets going.
Rohit missed the tour of New Zealand at the start of 2020 due to an injury and it could be a blessing for him as he won't have the baggage that other Indian batsmen might have, after having lost the series 0-2, where they struggled against the Kiwi pacers.
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He has looked very disciplined since making a comeback to Test cricket as an opener and he knows a thing or two about Boult, with whom he plays at IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has pointed out very crucial technical details that Rohit Sharma will have to keep in mind in order to keep the threat of Boult at bay.
"He has another challenge in the form of Trent Boult who can bring the ball in. He also knows that against Boult, he cannot take his left leg across. These are the two things Rohit needs to address at the start of the innings," he said in a virtual press conference organised by Star Sports -- official broadcaster of the ICC WTC final.
He went on to talk about the importance of knowing where one's off stump is as an opener.
"I think, not only for Rohit, but for any opener, it is important to know where your off-stump is. Rohit since the time he has opened, the way he played even in the Indian conditions against South Africa, he was very disciplined and he knew where his off-stump was. That is something if Rohit can replicate that in the UK, he will perform well. We all know what an unbelievable talented batsman he is, he is a match-winner for the Indian team. Knowing where your off-stump is and letting go of the balls outside the off-stump is something Rohit requires to focus," Laxman said.
India take on New Zealand in the WTC Final at the Rose Bowl stadium in Southampton from June 18.
