Dravid’s tips for Kohli: Take a cue from Viru’s 201 at Galle

India A coach Rahul Dravid, who spent some quality time with Test captain Virat Kohli advised him to make Virender Sehwag’s unbeaten 201 at Galle (in 2008) against a rampaging Ajantha Mendis as a reference frame for facing the Sri Lankan tweakers this time round.

“If you see the way that series (2008) went, Ajantha Mendis was a revelation (he took six wickets in that innings). Mendis was really troubling batsmen. That was the game that Viru <g data-gr-id="36">bhai</g> actually took him on and whacked him. <g data-gr-id="30">Couple</g> of days back, I spoke about that innings with Rahul Dravid. He (Dravid) said that is the best innings of Virender Sehwag’s in his career,” the name Sehwag got the utmost respect out of Kohli’s voice.

“That innings personally taught me how to play in Sri Lanka against their spinners in their conditions. I am sure lot of batsmen would want to watch it again throughout the series and take tips as to how we can go about our business,” Kohli made it clear why that innings would be a reference frame for all batsmen playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka.

Incidentally, Sehwag scored 201 out of 329 in that Indian innings where eight players failed to get into double digits. 

“I saw the whole of that innings and the way he (Sehwag) batted even with the lower order still so backing himself throughout. That teaches a lot <g data-gr-id="34">specially</g> to youngsters who want to cement a place or make a mark in Test cricket. It is all about backing your ability and not changing a game too much from what you used to <g data-gr-id="33">playing</g>.” 

Asked about what exactly were the areas where he worked with India A coach Rahul Dravid, the talented Delhi batsman spoke about adjusting to pitches which helps spinners with sweeping being one of the key <g data-gr-id="28">aspect</g>.

“Sweeping is one aspect that I was always looking to improve on. If you look at our team, Ajinkya plays the shot well, I have seen Rohit play the shot and also Vijay.”