‘Very important’: India’s spin coach reveals how Rohit Sharma remains vital to Shubman Gill

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Ahead of the second ODI against Afghanistan in Lucknow, India’s spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has backed Rohit Sharma amid renewed debate over the veteran opener’s future. The 39-year-old has endured a dip in form of late and concerns have resurfaced due to his age, recent hamstring injury and modest IPL returns. Rohit managed only 16 runs in the first ODI against Afghanistan.Despite this scrutiny, Bahutule stressed that Rohit’s experience and leadership remain vital to the team, especially with Shubman Gill now leading the ODI side.“I think Rohit is definitely an experienced player. He’s a master cricketer. I think he’s someone who adds value to this team with his experience, not just in terms of the batsmen, but his leadership rubs off on all the guys, including Shubman. So I think it’s definitely very, very important to be in the side and he’s someone who understands every game and understands what’s expected of the team. “I think he looks forward to every game and all the work he puts in, it’s like he just started playing.

Kudos to KL Rahul

Bahutule also praised KL Rahul who has been in excellent form across formats. After scoring a century in the one-off Test against Afghanistan, Rahul hit an unbeaten 39 off 19 balls in the rain-shortened first ODI.“I think he’s a fabulous player. I think he’s someone who adapts really quickly to conditions and formats, as he’s done in these two games,” he said.“I just feel like you send him to any number, he’s someone who steps up for you, understands the situation, understands what’s needed for him at that particular moment, adapts to the conditions and delivers. So I think wherever he decides to bat or wherever he gets that opportunity, he’s going to be an important member of the team.”