Rathour’s observations come as India prepare to face England in a crucial encounter of the ongoing Test series.
Addressing reporters on the eve of the match, Rathour highlighted the characteristic nature of Indian pitches, stating, “Every time we play in India, there’s a question mark on the pitch… It’s a typical Indian wicket, there are cracks, this wicket always has cracks.” He pointed out the uncertainty surrounding the extent of the turn but expressed confidence in India’s well-balanced team to tackle the conditions effectively.
Rathour’s comments come in the wake of India’s decision to rest pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah for the fourth Test, a move that has fueled speculation about India’s pitch strategy.
He said Bumrah is absolutely fine but it was not “advisable” to play him continuously. The India spearhead has bowled 80.5 overs in three Tests, taking 17 wickets at an average of 13.64.
“I think every Test match is a crucial test match, to be honest. With WTC points, every game is crucial. Even we would love Bumrah to play all the games,” Rathour said.
“But unfortunately that is not very advisable because the kind of workload he has had in the last three games. He has really bowled well and with a lot of heart, a lot of effort.
“For the kind of schedule we have in the future, it was felt by everybody involved that he should be given a break. Otherwise he is absolutely fine physically. But it was felt that it is better that he gets a break because there was hardly any turnaround time between the games.”
Regarding top-order batter KL Rahul‘s fitness status, Rathour confirmed his unavailability for the fourth Test due to ongoing rehabilitation for quadriceps pain.
He remarked, “For me either he is fit or he is not. At the moment he is not fit.”
Rathour’s comments underscore the significance of player fitness and the team’s focus on fielding a fully fit squad for the crucial encounter.
When questioned about players skipping matches in the Ranji Trophy, Rathour deferred to the selectors’ discretion in team selection.
He emphasized the promotion of players based on domestic cricket performances, stating, “At the moment we see that people who have done well in domestic cricket are promoted. It’s good that everybody should get chances.”
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(With inputs from PTI)