In preparation for the second Test in Visakhapatnam, the Indian batters focused on refining their sweeping skills during the net session. Notably, skipper Rohit Sharma stood out as one of the few who did not extensively practice the sweep shot in the first Test in Hyderabad, where India suffered a 28-run defeat.
England, on the other hand, utilised the sweep effectively against the spin bowling attack. However, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, aiming to enhance their performance, diligently practised both conventional and reverse sweeps. Rajat Patidar, likely to make his debut in the second Test, also incorporated the sweep and reverse sweep into his training.
While not every batter adopted this approach, there was a noticeable increase compared to the previous game. Sarfaraz Khan, a potential debutant, joined Patidar in net practice and also participated in slip-catching drills. Despite emphasising the importance of playing to their strengths, batting coach Vikram Rathour acknowledged the value of incorporating additional shots into the players’ repertoire.
Vikram Rathour speaks about Indian batters
India’s batting coach noted that practising these shots is crucial for their effective execution during matches. Rathour emphasised the traditional strengths of Indian batting, which involve going straight and using footwork while acknowledging the positive impact of adding diverse shots to their arsenal.
“It is not something you can try. You need to practice it. If you have more shots, it is beneficial. We play traditionally. Our strength is going straight and using our feet. We need to do that well, and if we can play some shots, that is always a good addition,” he said.
As the Indian team fine-tuned their skills, England faced uncertainty with Jack Leach nursing a left knee injury, making him doubtful for the upcoming Test. The possibility of uncapped player Shoaib Bashir entering the equation arose due to Leach’s questionable fitness.
With both teams making strategic preparations, the stage is set for an intriguing contest in the second Test, where the effectiveness of the sweeping technique could play a pivotal role in determining success in the subcontinent conditions.
Here is how fans react to Rohit Sharma’s practice:
Give me catch drops or else I'll retire?
— ??????? ??? (@WINRAT__Goatli) February 1, 2024
Bruh this is not t20 ?
— Karthik (@vsk_says) February 1, 2024
Yesterday root also practising reverse sweeps looks like pitch will be spinners paradise
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) February 1, 2024
The Ollie Pope difference. He showed how to play against spin in the first test.
— Nirmal Roy (@nroy11) February 1, 2024
Vada pav not letting him play reverse scoop ??
— Pratik (@fake_engineer7) February 1, 2024
please play your proper style hit man
dnt try anything
proper batting styles gives more runs to a batsman— Messi Fan (@George_leo453) February 1, 2024
Hope he leads the team well in his home ground?.
Rohit's mother is from the visag city pic.twitter.com/vfRhrjJbLj— White knight ? (@santhoshtiger14) February 1, 2024
Waiting for second test match, time to make solid comeback in this series ??
— Kirkett (@bhaskar_sanu08) February 1, 2024
Who will be the top scorer in this match??
— Ayush Singh (@imabhinashS) February 1, 2024
