Kohli backs Rahane

Hyderabad: Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli on Wednesday sent a message loud and clear, one that the selectors have to take note of while on the other side it is bound to gladden every player, including those going through a lean patch and also those knocking on the doors of the big league. He made it evident that he does not endorse the ‘hire and fire’ syndrome.

Speaking to reporters after a training session ahead of the one-off Test against Bangladesh at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium (RGICS) here, Kohli said that every player ought to be given a long rope. Making his intentions as a leader beyond any doubt, he said that players must get a feeling that they are getting support and encouragement from the management even while in the midst of a low-patch.

This will bolster their confidence levels and help in them striking form, sooner than later. He said that proven talent was always a sound investment and the player should be given enough opportunities to bounce back into the reckoning.

Talking specifically about Ajinkya Rahane, who is not in the best of form but has received his skipper’s overwhelming nod, Kohli said that triple centurion Karun Nair had enough potential but still his deputy would get the preference for the crucial No 5 slot. In a major boost to the struggling batsman, the captain asserted that the solidity of Rahane was superior to the others, particularly in the five-day game.

He also put to rest other speculations when he contended that with a power-packed spin combination on hand-Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Jayant Yadav and Amit Mishra-the young Kuldeep Yadav had to sit in the benches for some more time.

Stressing that the leader would do well if he does not keep any player in the dark, he said the key leadership quality was in communication and enjoying vibes with each and every player. This would help evolve a balanced bunch besides ensuring that those sitting out would not feel missed out.