Dinesh Lad, childhood coach of India opener Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Shardul Thakur, delighted with match-winning show by his wards at The Oval
Rohit Sharma celebrates his century against England at The Oval last week. Pic/Getty Images
Two Mumbai boys—Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur—did the incredible on Monday when they helped India clinch victory at The Oval for the first time in 50 years. For their coach Dinesh Lad, who followed the action on television from his Borivli residence, it was a moment of great pride.
Rohit’s scintillating 127—his first Test century overseas—helped India overcome the 99-run first innings deficit and Thakur’s all-round show (57 and 60 in both innings, 1-54 and 2-22) put India in a commanding position during the fourth Test. The 157-run win helped Virat Kohli’s men take 2-1 lead in the five-Test series.
Shardul Thakur during his 60 at The Oval recently. Pic/AFP
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‘Great knock under pressure’
Talking about Rohit’s second innings knock, Lad, in a chat with mid-day, said: “It was a great knock under pressure. It’s not easy to bat like that in the second innings. Most importantly, this knock has proved that Rohit is very capable of scoring outside India too in Test cricket.
“Critics had doubts over his ability in overseas conditions, but I had full confidence in him. He is playing superbly in this series and I feel this is the best he is playing in Test cricket. He has curbed his instincts and prepared well for the tour.”
Dinesh Lad
Thakur’s performance, especially his batting, has delighted Lad too. Most of Thakur’s shots were in the ‘V’ packed with some exquisite drives and lusty blows over the bowler’s head. “Shardul was always a good batsman. It’s not something new for me. He loves playing aerial shots,” said Lad.
Thakur has played many entertaining cameos for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. In the IPL too, he has flexed his muscles to send the ball sailing into the stands. However, these cameos are now gradually turning into some serious batting affairs and providing some much-needed resistance for Team India lower down the order. The 100-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (50) for the seventh wicket turned out to be the match-defining stand in the fourth Test.
‘Worked on Thakur’s batting’
Lad revealed a minor alteration to Thakur’s grip when the two had a two-hour session at the Bandra Kurla Complex ground a couple of years ago. “He was recuperating from a foot surgery in 2019. When we met at the BKC ground, he insisted we have a batting session. I noticed something in his grip and advised him to change it a bit. His bat was closing a bit while playing the shot, so instead of going to the covers, the ball would go between cover and point.
“Shardul has worked very hard on his batting. I think he made good use of the time in Australia [earlier this year]. He would bat for hours in the nets and the results are there for everyone to see. His bat is coming a lot straighter now and he has worked hard on his temperament. When we were chatting recently, he told me that his bat is coming nicely and is enjoying his batting.
“Shardul is always looking to improve every aspect of his game. He is self-motivated and loves to take responsibility,” said Lad.
Also Read: Jasprit Bumrah: Shardul Thakur’s effort was massive
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