Focusing at changing the mindset of batsmen: Anil Kumble

Indian head coach Anil Kumble said that his main focus is to change the mindset of the batsmen from shorter to longer format ahead of the Test series against West Indies. Recently Indian cricketers had featured in the World T20 and then played the IPL which was followed by a short tour to Zimbabwe where they played ODIs and T20Is.

“We are focusing on changing the mindset of batsmen in terms of coming from shorter format into a longer format and the batting time as it is important to bat for a longer duration,” said Kumble.

Kumble said that the bowlers need to be consistent with their lines and lengths. “In the bowling department, we will be focusing of consistent lengths and being boring. That’s what we need to do when playing Test cricket. The emphasis will also be on the catching as they are important to win the games,” said Kumble.

Hunting in pairs:

He feels that the spinners will have a key role for India in winning the series. He feels that hunting in pairs is key for batsmen and bowlers to succeed in the series. “I believe that bowlers also bowl in partnerships like batsmen play in partnership. Spinners and fast bowlers will have an equal role. The wickets have so far been on the slower side but I don’t know what kind of wickets will be in the four Test matches. Indian spinner will have an important role to play for us to win the series,” he said.

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“In Test cricket, all three departments will be tested that’s why it is called the test of character of all the three departments, so the focus is on all three,” said the former Indian skipper. “What is also important is rest period or the recovery period. Other than the three departments we are also concentrating on the fitness and the recovery period.”

When asked whether Ravichandran Ashwin is the solution for the all-rounder troubles the team has faced in the past, Kumble said, “Ashwin is an extremely capable batsman and we are also blessed with some of the other lower-middle order batsmen who are extremely capable. The focus is not just on the bowlers bowling but also on the bowlers batting,” he concluded.

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