Watch: India’s fielding coach reflects on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s energy before NZ vs IND 2nd ODI

India’s fielding coach, Subhadeep Ghosh, has lauded the team’s sharp fielding skills during the opening ODI of the five-match series against New Zealand, highlighting the early anticipation separating Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from the rest. Ghosh lauded their disciplined execution after the visitors restricted the hosts to 180.

Rohit’s superb fielding performance saw him run out Daryl Mitchell, which proved to be a vital wicket for the blue brigade. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli also took a superb catch just over the ground to send back Nathan Smith. 

What did India’s fielding coach say about Kohli and Rohit? Full comments ahead of the 2nd ODI

Ghosh highlighted the role of positional experience and game reading, which explains how the veteran star player reads the situations early.

Watch the moment here- 

“We did well in the first ODI. We took some good catches, picked up wickets, and backed it up with excellent ground fielding. The intensity was very good. When you restrict the opposition to around 180, it reflects not just good bowling but also quality fielding.” Ghosh said at the pre-match press conference.

He also praised Rohit Sharma’s instinct during the crucial run-out. Rohit attacked the ball from mid-wicket and executed a sharp underarm throw to run out Mitchell.

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“Virat has fielded at cover and point countless times, so he knows the trajectory and path of the ball, as well as how it is likely to travel after impact. He reads the situation slightly earlier than others, and you can see that in his execution. As far as Rohit is concerned, I think he anticipated that the ball would go towards square leg during that run-out.” Ghosh reflected.

“He wasn't moving straight; he was already shifting slightly towards square leg. That early anticipation allowed him to execute the skill perfectly. The more familiar you become with a particular position, the quicker you are able to anticipate what is going to happen. That's what makes the difference.” India’s fielding coach concluded.

How Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma performed in the 1st ODI vs New Zealand: Key moments

During the chase of 186 runs, Rohit was dismissed for a six-ball duck against Kyle Jamieson in the opening over of the innings. The right-arm pacer dismissed the batter, who was trying hard to beat the infield.

It wasn’t the same for Kohli, who, coming at number 3, smashed a fine knock of 74 runs off 51 balls at a strike rate of 145.10 with the help of 13 boundaries and one six.

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The Indian side, who earned the opening win by five wickets in the rain-curtailed clash, will play the second clash on November 07 at the Henry Stadium Wellington.