By V.N. Prasad
Virat and Co deserve a big pat on their back on their impressive win over the OZs in the Test Series; 2-1. This is the first time that all the departments contributed effectively in achieving the results. Our pace battery in Ishanth, Bumrah and Shammi was lethal. Spinners Ashwin, Kuldeep and Jadeja were very good and well supported by young Vihari with his off-spinners. Vision to fly in Mayank to open the innings was too good — though a little too late. Not going by the scores, Hanuma Vihari was an extremely valuable addition. He seems good at No.6 and he should not be disturbed. I do not blame him for gloving catches behind stumps. Inconsistency in bounce caused problems to both the sides. Even Sunil Gavaskar — the best ‘Ducker’ the world has witnessed — would have had tentative moments on these tracks. The onus of finding No.2 rests with Ravi and Virat. Clearly, K.L. Rahul was disappointing. Down the order, Rishab Pant is shaping extremely well with the bat. The youngster needs to control ‘Rush of Blood.’ He times strokes beautifully. His efforts behind the stumps need to be sharpened.
