India's fielding coach explains how Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli excel in the field during late 30s

At Eden Park during India's tour of New Zealand, two senior players produced fielding moments that drew widespread attention. Virat Kohli, aged 38, pulled off a spectacular diving catch at gully, while Rohit Sharma, aged 39, effected a composed run-out from midwicket at the same ground.

India's fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the second ODI, addressed how two players in their late thirties continue to contribute sharply in the field. It was the first time Ghosh had spoken to the media since his appointment replaced T Dilip in August 2026, with the two-Test series against Sri Lanka having been his first assignment in the role.

Ghosh pointed to anticipation as the defining quality that separates experienced fielders from younger ones. He explained that Kohli's long familiarity with the cover position means he reads the ball's trajectory, path and impact earlier than most, allowing his execution to appear effortless. For Rohit's run-out, Ghosh noted that the captain had begun moving towards square leg before the ball arrived there, which gave him the advantage needed to complete the dismissal.

"In fielding, I think one thing that's very important is anticipation. So more you stay in that place, Virat has fielded in cover I think lakhs of times. So he knows exactly the trajectory of the ball, the path of the ball, the impact of the ball. So he reads the situation slightly earlier than the rest of the guys and the execution you can see," Ghosh explained.

"And as far as Rohit is concerned, that run-out, I think he was anticipating the ball will go to square leg. He wasn't moving straight, he was moving slightly towards the square leg. So he anticipated slightly earlier and executed the skill," Ghosh added.

The tour has not been without its difficulties. India dropped 15 catches across 5 T20I matches against New Zealand, and in the first ODI, Naman Dhir grassed a sitter at midwicket. Ghosh acknowledged the lapses and said the group was working to address them.

"We're putting in conscious effort so that we can execute all those plans. As far as ODI is concerned, it's a new group. Eventually they've played a lot of games, a lot of experience. They've travelled to New Zealand quite a lot of times, so they know all those small adjustments, how to do these things. I think you can see those developments in the (upcoming) matches."

Meanwhile, New Zealand pacer Blair Tickner also weighed in on conditions at the venue ahead of the match.

"We saw last year, there's a little bit on the wicket. As a bowler I’m hoping for that. I don't want to be at a game that's 400 takes 400. So I'm looking forward to a little bit of extra bounce, hopefully a bit at the top of the wicket," Tickner said.