India got off to a strong start in their ongoing three-match ODI series against West Indies, with the team taking a 1-0 advantage after a breathtaking performance in Thiruvananthapuram last Sunday. As India now gear up for the second match in Guwahati on September 30, spin bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule has stressed the importance of having experienced campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the side.
As per Bahutule, the presence of two players with such extensive international experience gives the Indian team massive depth and pedigree in the ODI format. Kohli was on fire in the series opener, blazing a magnificent unbeaten 139 to anchor India's chase and guide the team to a comfortable victory.
“I think he (Virat Kohli) is somebody who's just getting better and better with each series and each game. He is somebody who wants to improve in spite of achieving so much, which is fabulous. And Rohit also being in the side, both of them just get that experience into the side, which I think all the youngsters rub upon," Bahutule said at the press conference.
“And they thrive upon their experience, the conversations they have. It is definitely something which helps the youngsters by their presence. And Virat is somebody who is constantly working on his game; he is constantly working on his fitness level, and I think that is very much inspiring not only to the players in the dressing room but a lot of players all over India."
Bahutule also lauded spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who delivered a spirited performance in the first ODI, returning with four wickets to cripple West Indies’ batting line-up.
“Kuldeep has always been a match winner for India. He's performed exceedingly well. His numbers also show that, and he works extremely hard at his game. You know, there are certain aspects where he feels that he needs to improve. He will go into the nets, work at it. And there are aspects where he is very confident about because he's been a part of this team for years,” he said.
"In fact, now he went for a county stint as well. He bowled a lot of overs there. So he comes into a series well prepared. And again, he's a player who every team would want to be because, you know, it's always lively on and off the field. And at the same time, his unique, you know, skills help us perform in any conditions. And being a spinner, a chinaman bowler definitely adds value to the team,” he said..