Mumbai: India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nair on Wednesday insisted that he does not get the pitches prepared as per his requirement in Test matches and also supported out-of-form veteran Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, saying that they need to make a comeback. More time should be given for this. After losing a Test series at home for the first time in 12 years, India will try to save its reputation in the third and final Test against New Zealand from Friday. Playing on a spin-friendly pitch, India lost the second Test in Pune by 113 runs. There are speculations that the pitch at Wankhede Stadium may again be favorable for spinners. Nair denied that spin-friendly pitches were being created to bring out the best in the team.
Nair said on the eve of the final Test, ‘I wish we could prepare the pitches as per our requirement but we do not do so. Curators do that. We play whatever pitch is given to us (be it a pitch conducive to fast bowling or a turn pitch). As cricketers and as a team we play on what we are given. We don’t try to create situations as per our wish.
Everyone has worked hard. Everyone wants to perform well. Be it Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma or a young player like Shubman Gill. There are efforts. I have seen nothing but love for him everywhere. When a top player goes through difficult times, sometimes it is about giving them time and believing that they will bounce back. They will work hard. The perspective is very good. I think they are working hard. Sometimes you have to have a little patience. Even the greatest players can and do have tough times. I am sure that soon, we will have a lot more to praise about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and everyone else. Just need to have some patience.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nair in press conference
Why are Indian batsmen not able to play spin?
Nair said that it would be ‘strong’ to say that the current Indian batsmen are not able to play spin as well as the earlier batsmen. This is a bit of a harsh statement. When you are trying to achieve something there always comes a time when you fall behind to some extent because you are trying to play cricket in a different way and you are trying to take yourself out of your comfort zone. Are trying to.
One or two matches don’t change the atmosphere
Nair said that the performance in the last two matches has not changed the atmosphere in the dressing room. He says, ‘Sometimes the results are not according to you but if you are patient and then when things go according to the team and an individual then it pays off in the long run. There will be times when you won’t perform so well. When India lost the World Cup (final) in India, it was a difficult moment for everyone in Indian cricket. But then a few (eight) months later we were world champions. Coming back is always a great trip. This is how stories and legacies are made.
Interview: Unpacking Indian Cricket’s Challenges with Abhishek Nair
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Abhishek. The Indian cricket team is currently under scrutiny after that surprising Test series loss at home against New Zealand. How do you feel about the team’s performance, especially regarding the pitches you’ve played on?
Abhishek Nair: Thanks for having me. It’s certainly been a challenging series for us. Losing at home is always tough, and I understand the concerns that come with it. However, I want to clarify one critical point: we do not prepare pitches to suit our requirements. The curators handle that, and we adapt to what we receive.
Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. Speaking of pitches, it sounds like the one at Wankhede Stadium—our next venue—is likely to be another spin-friendly one. Given the circumstances, do you think that’s advantageous for your team?
Nair: It’s not about advantage or disadvantage—it’s about how we respond as a team. Regardless of the pitch conditions, we must focus on executing our game plan. Spin-friendly pitches can be challenging, especially when you’re coming off a loss, but they also provide us with opportunities to showcase our strengths. It’s about adapting and overcoming.
Editor: You’re in a unique position with seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma struggling for form. How do you perceive their situation?
Nair: Both players have been incredible for Indian cricket over the years. They’re experiencing a tough phase, which happens to all athletes at some point. What’s crucial is allowing them the space and time to rediscover their form. We all know their capabilities, and I’m confident that they will shine again.
Editor: The broader public sentiment has been quite restless, especially with their continuing underperformance. How do you address that as a coach?
Nair: It’s essential to manage expectations, both from within the team and from fans. Cricket is unpredictable, and form can fluctuate. This is where belief and patience come into play. Everyone—Kohli, Sharma, and even young players like Shubman Gill—wants to perform well. They are working hard, and we have seen immense support for them from fans.
Editor: With the series hanging in the balance, what strategies do you plan to implement to ensure a stronger performance in the final Test?
Nair: Our focus has to be on mental resilience and sticking to our fundamental techniques. We will analyze our last match and learn from those mistakes. Trusting our skills and each other will be pivotal. No matter the conditions, if we play to our potential, we can overcome any challenges.
Editor: Lastly, what would you say to the fans who may be feeling disheartened by the recent results?
Nair: I would say thank you for your unwavering support. It means a lot to the team. Cricket is a journey filled with ups and downs. If we stick together, I believe we can turn this around. The love from the fans fuels our drive to succeed, and we are all committed to bringing home the results they deserve.
Editor: Thank you, Abhishek. Your insights are invaluable, and we look forward to witnessing how the team responds in the final Test against New Zealand.
Nair: Thank you for having me. We’re excited about the challenge ahead.
Ng in the balance, how does the team maintain morale in the dressing room despite recent setbacks?
Nair: Maintaining morale is crucial, especially in challenging times. We reflect on our past experiences and remember that our journey has ups and downs. For instance, I remember when India lost the World Cup final at home—it was devastating, but just months later, we emerged as champions. The dressing room atmosphere remains positive because we believe in each other and the processes we follow. We celebrate the hard work and dedication that every player shows, regardless of recent results.
Editor: That’s a healthy approach, indeed. You’ve mentioned adaptability quite a bit. Can you elaborate on how the team is working to adapt its strategy in these tough situations?
Nair: Absolutely. Adaptation is key. We analyze our performance deeply after every match. We’re focused on identifying areas that need improvement—be it technical aspects of batting against spin or field placements. We encourage open communication; players share insights on what they’re experiencing on the field. This collective effort fosters growth and resilience. Plus, we have a supportive coaching staff working closely with the players to ensure everyone is on the same page moving forward.
Editor: Let’s talk about the future. Amidst the current challenges, what are your expectations for the upcoming Test against New Zealand?
Nair: I expect the team to rally together. We’ve emphasized the importance of learning from our past performances, and I believe this match will be a turning point. The environment at Wankhede is always electric, and I can see the players are eager to redeem themselves. We’re working hard to translate that eagerness into a strong performance. The comeback story is often the most compelling, and I’m excited for what we can achieve.
Editor: Thank you for your insights, Abhishek. It’s clear that the team’s mindset and preparation are pivotal as you look to reclaim your winning form. We look forward to seeing how this series unfolds. Best of luck to you and the team in the final Test!
Nair: Thank you! We appreciate the support, and we’re committed to putting our best foot forward.