Abhishek Nayar Backs Virat, Rohit Amid Criticism, Says “Even The Greatest Players Face Tough Phases”

October 30, 2024: India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, urging patience from fans and critics as the two stalwarts navigate a challenging phase in their batting.

Despite their recent struggles, particularly during India’s 2-0 ODI series defeat against Sri Lanka and the recent Test series against New Zealand, Nayar believes both players are putting in the hard work necessary for a turnaround.

“Everyone’s worked really hard; everyone wants to do well,” Nayar stated, emphasizing that both Rohit and Kohli, along with younger players like Shubman Gill, are committed to improving their performances. He acknowledged that even the greatest players experience tough times, suggesting it’s just a matter of time before they find their rhythm again.

With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia starting on November 22 in Perth, there is hope that Rohit and Kohli will bounce back. In their recent outings, Rohit has managed just 42 runs in two matches against Bangladesh, averaging 10.50, while Kohli scored 99 runs at an average of 33.00. Their form has been a significant talking point, particularly following the two Tests against New Zealand, where Rohit scored only 62 runs and Kohli managed 88, including a resilient 70 in the first Test.

The upcoming third Test at Wankhede in Mumbai presents an opportunity for both veterans to regain their form, with Nayar encouraging fans to stay supportive as they work through this challenging period.