India vs Australia | We expected a lead of at least 25 more runs, rues Sanjay Bangar
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Indian Cricket team batting coach Sanjay Banger has stated that the team had hoped for at least 25 more runs on the board but it was not to be as the Australian bowlers cleared the Indian tail quickly. He also pinpointed the tail collapse as an area where the team can work and improve upon.
Two half centuries were scored in the Indian innings on the fourth day with Cheteshwar Pujara(71) and Ajinkya Rahane(70) acting as the main heroes for the hosts on the day. However, as soon as they got out, the Indian batting order crumbled and the last five wickets for India fell while making only 73 runs. Indian cricket team batting coach Sanjay Bangar revealed that at least 25 more runs on the board
"We were expecting at least 25 runs. That's an area where we are continuously looking to improve. And we hope the lower order, especially number 9, 10 and 11 show more application than they did today," Bangar said.
Rishabh Pant played
"When Rishabh Pant walked in we were 260-odd. Immediately he released the pressure and gave us those quick 30-35 runs. Once he had put us in that position, we expected that with time, with a better approach and calculation, tactically he could have done better.
"But you don't want to take the fearlessness away from him otherwise. Hitting against the turn and getting those boundaries are high percentage shots. Those are the shots that many courageous players have played."
Bangar moved to India’s previous outings in South Africa and England and stressed that the margins by which the Indian team lost the games were very small. He also asserted that the team has been performing reasonably well and now it is just about crossing the hypothetical line.
"One needs to understand that the margins in those games have been very, very slim. Right from Cape Town to the Oval, the margins of defeat were very small.
"We have put ourselves in those commanding positions.
The batting coach also went on to praise the two of the most experienced batsmen in the batting lineup in Cheteshwar Rahane and Ajinkya Rahane for their contributions in the match so far. Pujara after making a solid 123 runs in the first innings once against played well for India and also became the highest scorer for India in the second innings with a score of 71 runs.
"Pujara showed tremendous application especially after where we were at the end of the first session. Rahane and Pujara both are quality Test batsmen and whenever they have done well, they have put us in a good position."
