IND vs ENG LIVE: Head coach Rahul Dravid isn’t perturbed by Virat Kohli’s century drought ahead of the IND vs ENG 5th Test. Kohli hasn’t scored an international century since 2019, but Dravid is happy as long as thr former continues chipping with “match-winning contributions”. The IND vs ENG Edgbaston Test kicks off on Friday, July 1. Follow India tour of England live updates on Insidesport.IN
IND vs ENG LIVE: Rahul Dravid dismisses talk of Virat Kohli’s century drought, says ” We want match winning contributions from him”
One of the greatest of his generation, Virat Kohli is going through a lean patch. Having amassed centuries for fun in his late 20s, Kohli is yet to reach the three figure mark since 2019. The 33-year-old’s lack of runs has led to many questions surrounding his commitment and desire to the team’s cause.
Head coach Rahul Dravid however has shunned those talks suggesting it is just a phase in the former captain’s career. Dravid suggested that Virat was a victim of his own success and there wasn’t a lack of desire from him.
Speaking in a virtual press conference, Dravid said, “As players, you go through these phases and I don’t think you need motivation to be very honest with you and I think in Virat’s case it is
nothing to do with lack of motivation or desire. ”
“It’s not always focussing on those three figures like even a 70-odd (79) in a difficult situation in Cape Town (vs SA) was a good innings. Didn’t convert into a three-figure, but it was a good score.”
“Obviously, the standards that he has set, people only see hundreds as a success but for me, rom a coaches’ perspective, we want contributions from him — match-winning contributions, whether it is a 50 or a 60,” the coach explained.
IND vs ENG LIVE: Rahul Dravid dismisses talk of Virat Kohli’s century drought, says ” We want match winning contributions from him”
Dravid has further backed Kohli and showered praise on him for maintaining his fitness levels. He said, “In my opinion, he is on the right side of 30 and he is an incredibly fit guy. He is one of the most hardworking guys that I have
come across and his desire and hunger and whole attitude of looking after himself. ”
Dravid was pleased with how Kohli turned out in the warm up game, facing Jasprit Bumrah. Kohli scored a 67 in the second innings, and for the head coach his talisman ticked all boxes.
“And his preparation, even the way he batted at Leicester, batting in those conditions and scoring the 50s and 60s, keen on
playing against our bowlers, batting against Bumrah and all these guys. He is ticking all the right boxes and doing everything he
needs to do to come out of it,” Dravid said in a reassuring tone.
