BAN vs IND: Vikram Rathour reveals Virat Kohli toiled hard to regain form during 'so-called' lean phase

India batting coach Vikram Rathour revealed that former captain Virat Kohli toiled very hard to overcome his lean phase in Tests. Rathour, further, believes that he will play an impactful knock in the second and final Test against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur starting Thursday, December 22.

India would be hoping to sweep the series and would also be oozing with confidence heading into this contest having registered a comprehensive 188-run victory in the series opener at Chattogram.

Virat works really hard on his cricket, he always has: Vikram Rathour

“Virat works really hard on his cricket, he always has. When he was going through a so-called lean phase, he really worked hard. And we’re continuing to see that actually, he’s continuing to work hard and takes his practice sessions really seriously and puts in a lot of effort. And so does Gill and the other guys as well. You haven’t seen Pujara bat in the nets, so yeah, everyone puts in a lot of hard work and it’s good when it pays off,” said Rathour as quoted by India Today.

At the same time, Rathour also lauded the commitment levels of India’s frontline spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav to work hard on their batting skills.

“We’re looking at everybody to contribute, even with the bat. (Ravichandran) Ashwin and Kuldeep (Yadav) both batted really well. So, it is good to see that because they do put in a lot of hard work. Everybody is looking to bat and work hard on their skills, so it was good to see,” he added.

Kohli who was dismissed for just one run against his name off left-arm spinner Taijul Islam looked good in the second innings as he remained unbeaten on 19 before the visitors went on to declare their innings.

A determined Kohli would be eager to prove a point in this game and look to end his Test century drought