Virat Kohli had a tough time in IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup. Leading RCB and India's T20I side&nbsp;for the final time, Kohli couldn't inspire both his franchise and national side to glory in the IPL 14's final leg and the seventh edition of the T20 WC, respectively, in the UAE.

Thus, he was rested for the home T20Is between India and New Zealand. The 33-year-old Kohli is also not part of India's squad for the two-match Test series opener versus the Black Caps but will return for the second and final Test, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Ahead of the series finale, Kohli has started gearing up for the Mumbai Test and was seen sweating it out at the nets with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-very-well-deserved-ponting-shares-heartfelt-post-for-debutant-shreyas-iyer-431831">Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: 'Very well deserved' - Ponting shares heartfelt post for debutant Shreyas Iyer</a>

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Virat Kohli with Sanjay Bangar this morning <a href="https://t.co/qWt9oWuYAK">pic.twitter.com/qWt9oWuYAK</a>
— Gaurav🕊️ (@Kohli4ever) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kohli4ever/status/1463738111075110915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-1st-test-ashwin-on-verge-of-surpassing-harbhajan-in-elite-list-during-series-opener-in-kanpur-431781">Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Ashwin on verge of surpassing Harbhajan in elite list during series opener in Kanpur</a>

In Kohli's absence, Ajinkya Rahane is leading the side in the series opener at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. India have opted to bat first and are well-placed courtesy half-centuries from debutant Shreyas Iyer and opener Shubman Gill on Day One of the Kanpur Test. Rahane &amp; Co. will look to post anything over 400 and challenge the visitors.

The second Test will commence on December 3 in Mumbai.

Virat Kohli had a tough time in IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup. Leading RCB and India's T20I side for the final time, Kohli couldn't inspire both his franchise and national side to glory in the IPL 14's final leg and the seventh edition of the T20 WC, respectively, in the UAE.

Virat Kohli had a tough time in IPL 2021 and the T20 World Cup. Leading RCB and India's T20I side for the final time, Kohli couldn't inspire both his franchise and national side to glory in the IPL 14's final leg and the seventh edition of the T20 WC, respectively, in the UAE. Thus, he was rested for the home T20Is between India and New Zealand. The 33-year-old Kohli is also not part of India's squad for the two-match Test series opener versus the Black Caps but will return for the second and final Test, to be held at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Ahead of the series finale, Kohli has started gearing up for the Mumbai Test and was seen sweating it out at the nets with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) head coach. ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: 'Very well deserved' - Ponting shares heartfelt post for debutant Shreyas Iyer Virat Kohli with Sanjay Bangar this morning pic.twitter.com/qWt9oWuYAK — Gaurav🕊️ (@Kohli4ever) November 25, 2021 × ALSO READ | Ind vs NZ, 1st Test: Ashwin on verge of surpassing Harbhajan in elite list during series opener in Kanpur In Kohli's absence, Ajinkya Rahane is leading the side in the series opener at Green Park Stadium, Kanpur. India have opted to bat first and are well-placed courtesy half-centuries from debutant Shreyas Iyer and opener Shubman Gill on Day One of the Kanpur Test. Rahane & Co. will look to post anything over 400 and challenge the visitors. The second Test will commence on December 3 in Mumbai.

Virat Kohli gears up for 2nd Test vs NZ in Mumbai, trains with RCB coach Sanjay Bangar

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar as head coach of the franchise for the 2022 season of the lucrative league. Bangar will take over the reins from New Zealand`s Mike Hesson, who will remain with the team in his existing role as Director of Cricket Operations. Hesson had donned an additional role of head coach for the second leg of the IPL 2021 in UAE. 
 
Speaking about his new role at RCB, Bangar, said, "It`s an honour and great opportunity to serve such a great franchise in the capacity of head coach. I have worked with some exceptional and talented members in the squad and can`t wait to take this team to the next level. There`s a lot of work that needs to be done with the IPL mega auctions and the season following it, but I`m sure that together with the continued support of the management and the support staff, we can deliver the goods and bring cheer to our fans across the globe."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-one-is-more-disappointed-than-us-kohli-pens-down-emotional-note-after-indias-dismal-t20-wc-427901">'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC</a>

Speaking about the appointment of Bangar, Prathmesh Mishra, chairman, RCB, said, "RCB has been committed to its philosophy of supporting and grooming talents from within the team and appointing Sanjay Bangar is the reflection of that belief. 
 
"Sanjay Bangar has been part of our support staff as a batting consultant and brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and batting coach, having worked extensively with the Indian cricket team. Sanjay has been chosen to be the head coach following a rigorous and robust selection procedure. We are confident that he will be able to bring his experience to the fore and maximise the potential of the squad," added Mishra. 
&nbsp;

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar as head coach of the franchise for the 2022 season of the lucrative league.

Indian Premier League (IPL) side Royal Challengers Bangalore on Tuesday announced the appointment of former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar as head coach of the franchise for the 2022 season of the lucrative league. Bangar will take over the reins from New Zealand`s Mike Hesson, who will remain with the team in his existing role as Director of Cricket Operations. Hesson had donned an additional role of head coach for the second leg of the IPL 2021 in UAE. Speaking about his new role at RCB, Bangar, said, "It`s an honour and great opportunity to serve such a great franchise in the capacity of head coach. I have worked with some exceptional and talented members in the squad and can`t wait to take this team to the next level. There`s a lot of work that needs to be done with the IPL mega auctions and the season following it, but I`m sure that together with the continued support of the management and the support staff, we can deliver the goods and bring cheer to our fans across the globe." ALSO READ | 'No one is more disappointed than us' - Kohli pens down emotional note after India's dismal T20 WC Speaking about the appointment of Bangar, Prathmesh Mishra, chairman, RCB, said, "RCB has been committed to its philosophy of supporting and grooming talents from within the team and appointing Sanjay Bangar is the reflection of that belief. "Sanjay Bangar has been part of our support staff as a batting consultant and brings a wealth of experience, both as a player and batting coach, having worked extensively with the Indian cricket team. Sanjay has been chosen to be the head coach following a rigorous and robust selection procedure. We are confident that he will be able to bring his experience to the fore and maximise the potential of the squad," added Mishra.

Sanjay Bangar appointed Virat Kohli-starrer RCB's head coach for IPL 2022

Ahead of India's fourth and penultimate Test versus England, there has been plenty of talk regarding Virat Kohli's struggles. The Indian captain hasn't been at his best in the ongoing England Tests and couldn't produce a match-winning performance for the national side even during the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand in Southampton in mid-June.

Kohli's scores so far in the England Tests are: 0, DNB, 42, 20, 7 and 55. While he did surpass the 50-run mark for the first time during India's tour of United Kingdom, including the WTC summit clash, he was far from his usual best and was troubled by James Anderson and Ollie Robinson when England took the second new ball on Day 4 of the third Test at Headingley, Leeds.

Speaking on Kohli's form and his barren run, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar was qouted as saying while speaking on Aakash Chopra's Youtube channel. "The bottom line as far as I am concerned is that Virat Kohli has not shown the patience that England bowlers have shown against him. That was the only difference."

“He has not got out defending a lot of times. He has gone towards the ball in all his dismissals. If you see his dismissals from 2014, he did not get out playing the drive as many times as he got out defending. I feel he is playing the sixth or seventh stump delivery, which is not required to be played. He needs to check his position when the ball gets released,” Bangar added.

While a lot has been said and written about Kohli ahead of the fourth Test, which starts on September 2 (Thursday) at Kennington Oval, London, the 32-year-old will be eager to let the bat do all the talking in the remainder of the Tests.

At present, the India-England Tests is levelled at 1-1 and both sides have plenty to play for in the last two encounters.

Ahead of India's fourth and penultimate Test versus England, there has been plenty of talk regarding Virat Kohli's struggles. The Indian captain hasn't been at his best in the ongoing England Tests and couldn't produce a match-winning performance for the national side even during the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand in Southampton in mid-June.

Ahead of India's fourth and penultimate Test versus England, there has been plenty of talk regarding Virat Kohli's struggles. The Indian captain hasn't been at his best in the ongoing England Tests and couldn't produce a match-winning performance for the national side even during the inaugural WTC final, versus New Zealand in Southampton in mid-June. Kohli's scores so far in the England Tests are: 0, DNB, 42, 20, 7 and 55. While he did surpass the 50-run mark for the first time during India's tour of United Kingdom, including the WTC summit clash, he was far from his usual best and was troubled by James Anderson and Ollie Robinson when England took the second new ball on Day 4 of the third Test at Headingley, Leeds. Speaking on Kohli's form and his barren run, former batting coach Sanjay Bangar was qouted as saying while speaking on Aakash Chopra's Youtube channel. "The bottom line as far as I am concerned is that Virat Kohli has not shown the patience that England bowlers have shown against him. That was the only difference." “He has not got out defending a lot of times. He has gone towards the ball in all his dismissals. If you see his dismissals from 2014, he did not get out playing the drive as many times as he got out defending. I feel he is playing the sixth or seventh stump delivery, which is not required to be played. He needs to check his position when the ball gets released,” Bangar added. While a lot has been said and written about Kohli ahead of the fourth Test, which starts on September 2 (Thursday) at Kennington Oval, London, the 32-year-old will be eager to let the bat do all the talking in the remainder of the Tests. At present, the India-England Tests is levelled at 1-1 and both sides have plenty to play for in the last two encounters.

'Virat Kohli has not...': Former India batting coach points out Indian captain's flaws amid low returns in England

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The crushing loss led to massive criticism by fans and former cricketing stalwarts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/an-absolute-disgrace-roger-binny-slams-team-indias-bowling-performance-in-wtc-final-393985" hreflang="en">'Absolute disgrace': Roger Binny slams India's bowling in WTC Final</a>

Indian skipper Virat Kohli failed to contribute to the teams in the clash against New Zealand. The Indian captain managed to score just 57 runs in both innings.&nbsp;

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar talked about how Kohli will approach his future and what will be his next target after the WTC final.

“He has already scored close to 7,500 test runs, and this is a format, where he just simply gives it his all. It's not that he doesn't value T20 or ODI cricket; he plays with equal intensity, but the job satisfaction that he derives – because this is the toughest format. And in modern times, because there are no dead rubbers, so every test match is valued, and every team is playing for a result. This means that whatever is on offer – from a batting perspective – is always challenging for the batsman,” Bangar said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

“So, to excel in each &amp; every test match, and obviously, to get over the drought of the three-figure – which may have been playing on his mind – I think this is something that he would look ahead to. The way he has batted in the first innings was a clear indication of the kind of touch and the kind of rhythm that he was in. So, I think it augurs well for the Indian team.”

The Men in Blue will now take on England in a five-match Test series that will kick off in August.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton.

New Zealand on Wednesday defeated India by eight wickets to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, played at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The crushing loss led to massive criticism by fans and former cricketing stalwarts. ALSO READ: 'Absolute disgrace': Roger Binny slams India's bowling in WTC Final Indian skipper Virat Kohli failed to contribute to the teams in the clash against New Zealand. The Indian captain managed to score just 57 runs in both innings. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar talked about how Kohli will approach his future and what will be his next target after the WTC final. “He has already scored close to 7,500 test runs, and this is a format, where he just simply gives it his all. It's not that he doesn't value T20 or ODI cricket; he plays with equal intensity, but the job satisfaction that he derives – because this is the toughest format. And in modern times, because there are no dead rubbers, so every test match is valued, and every team is playing for a result. This means that whatever is on offer – from a batting perspective – is always challenging for the batsman,” Bangar said on Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected. “So, to excel in each & every test match, and obviously, to get over the drought of the three-figure – which may have been playing on his mind – I think this is something that he would look ahead to. The way he has batted in the first innings was a clear indication of the kind of touch and the kind of rhythm that he was in. So, I think it augurs well for the Indian team.” The Men in Blue will now take on England in a five-match Test series that will kick off in August.

'I think it augurs well for the Indian team': Sanjay Bangar on Virat Kohli's form

Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma on Tuesday helped India bounce back into the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton by picking three quick wickets during the end of the first session on Day 5. <o:p></o:p>

Indian quicks struggled on Day 3 with the ball as they failed to find the perfect length to trouble the New Zealand batters. However, they were right on the money when play resumed on Day 5 after a washed-out Day 4.<o:p></o:p>

Former India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar weighed his opinion behind the success of Indian pacers on Day 5 as he said that the fuller length bowled by the Indian speedsters helped them get the most out of the conditions.<o:p></o:p>

"Massive difference, especially in the lengths that they bowled today. Earlier we were saying that the lengths were a tad shorter, only 22 percent bowled in the 4 to 6 metre area, but now the percentages have gone up to close to 35 percent and that is why we can see a lot of opportunities being created due to the fuller length.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-would-have-picked-bhuvneshwar-kumar-for-wtc-final-opines-sunil-gavaskar-393165" hreflang="en">Cricket: Would have picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar for WTC Final, opines Sunil Gavaskar</a><o:p></o:p>

"You see the delivery that got Watling, it was on a fuller length. You see Ross Taylor, driving. You see Henry Nicholls again, dragged him on the front foot. So, the length has done the trick. All the homework they must have done the night before, has come to the fore," Bangar said during the lunchtime show on host broadcaster Star Sports.<o:p></o:p>

While New Zealand have taken a lead, India would be happy to have restricted them to a modest score as the Kiwis were looking to score big before the start of the day’s play. NZ were bundled out for 249 with a lead of 32 runs.<o:p></o:p>

Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma on Tuesday helped India bounce back into the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton by picking three quick wickets during the end of the first session on Day 5.

Indian pacers Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma on Tuesday helped India bounce back into the World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton by picking three quick wickets during the end of the first session on Day 5. Indian quicks struggled on Day 3 with the ball as they failed to find the perfect length to trouble the New Zealand batters. However, they were right on the money when play resumed on Day 5 after a washed-out Day 4. Former India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar weighed his opinion behind the success of Indian pacers on Day 5 as he said that the fuller length bowled by the Indian speedsters helped them get the most out of the conditions. "Massive difference, especially in the lengths that they bowled today. Earlier we were saying that the lengths were a tad shorter, only 22 percent bowled in the 4 to 6 metre area, but now the percentages have gone up to close to 35 percent and that is why we can see a lot of opportunities being created due to the fuller length. ALSO READ: Cricket: Would have picked Bhuvneshwar Kumar for WTC Final, opines Sunil Gavaskar "You see the delivery that got Watling, it was on a fuller length. You see Ross Taylor, driving. You see Henry Nicholls again, dragged him on the front foot. So, the length has done the trick. All the homework they must have done the night before, has come to the fore," Bangar said during the lunchtime show on host broadcaster Star Sports. While New Zealand have taken a lead, India would be happy to have restricted them to a modest score as the Kiwis were looking to score big before the start of the day’s play. NZ were bundled out for 249 with a lead of 32 runs.

WTC Final: 'Length has done the trick' - Sanjay Bangar on Indian pacer' success on Day 5 vs NZ

Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar featured how commitments and contributions from different batsmen have had an effect on the team this season when contrasted with the last IPL.&nbsp;

Royal Challengers Bangalore right now sit at the third spot in the calls attention to table with five successes of the initial six games. They will be in action today as they take on the Punjab Kings.&nbsp;

Ahead of the game, Sanjay Bangar explained what has had an effect this season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021.

"Unlike last season, where RCB was dependent a lot on Virat and AB firing all the time with the bat. Maybe Finch wasn't contributing enough, some other guys who were part of the team were unable to do that. But this season has been pretty good, We have contributions from various batsmen," said Sanjay &nbsp;Bangar.

"It was Padikkal, or Virat or Glenn Maxwell&nbsp;or AB de Villiers or in the last game, you saw contribution from Rajat Patidar... how composed he was. From that perspective, it augurs really well for the team. There are multiple players who on their day can win the match on their own." – he added.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings are coming in this game on the rear of a loss against the Kolkata Knight Riders. They will before long have to fire getting focused on the off chance that they need to save themselves in dispute for a season finisher spot. In the interim, RCB ought to be the top pick to seal one of the season finisher spots, given their splendid beginning to the season.

Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar featured how commitments and contributions from different batsmen have had an effect on the team this season when contrasted with the last IPL.

Royal Challengers Bangalore batting coach Sanjay Bangar featured how commitments and contributions from different batsmen have had an effect on the team this season when contrasted with the last IPL. Royal Challengers Bangalore right now sit at the third spot in the calls attention to table with five successes of the initial six games. They will be in action today as they take on the Punjab Kings. Ahead of the game, Sanjay Bangar explained what has had an effect this season for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2021. "Unlike last season, where RCB was dependent a lot on Virat and AB firing all the time with the bat. Maybe Finch wasn't contributing enough, some other guys who were part of the team were unable to do that. But this season has been pretty good, We have contributions from various batsmen," said Sanjay Bangar. "It was Padikkal, or Virat or Glenn Maxwell or AB de Villiers or in the last game, you saw contribution from Rajat Patidar... how composed he was. From that perspective, it augurs really well for the team. There are multiple players who on their day can win the match on their own." – he added. Punjab Kings are coming in this game on the rear of a loss against the Kolkata Knight Riders. They will before long have to fire getting focused on the off chance that they need to save themselves in dispute for a season finisher spot. In the interim, RCB ought to be the top pick to seal one of the season finisher spots, given their splendid beginning to the season.

IPL 2021: Sanjay Bangar describes what has made the difference for the team this season

Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-eng-yuzvendra-chahal-becomes-indias-leading-wicket-taker-in-t20i-370168" hreflang="en">IND vs ENG: Yuzvendra Chahal becomes India's leading wicket-taker in T20I</a>

Archer bowled a length delivery clocked at 141 kph, however, Pant, showing sheer audacity, reverse-swatted the English speedster for a massive six. This was not the first time Pant has reverse-swatted an English bowler in the ongoing full-fledged series.&nbsp;

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar was stunned with Pant's outrageous shot against the English quick.&nbsp;

"To play a shot like that against a bowler who is bowling at 140-150 kph and that too when Jofra Archer followed him after seeing him getting into a position for a shot like that, and despite that he got bat to ball is praiseworthy. I was left astonished with his talent, ability, and where the skill level has gone," Bangar said on Star Sports.

"He is a special player, he is a match-winner and stroke-maker. And sometimes he will get out playing such shots. So, it will be necessary that he is encouraged to play his natural game and he will then be able to win the maximum matches for the team, the way he did in Australia.

"He did not get much batting before the Australia tour, he did a lot of hard work. He is playing in the same fashion, he is a game-changer who wins matches for his team," Bangar signed off.

Earlier in the Test series, Pant reverse-swatted legendary pacer James Anderson as fans and pundits hailed the southpaw for showing immense courage against one of the greatest bowlers of all-time.&nbsp;

Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rishabh Pant on Friday continued his fearless approach in international cricket as he left everyone awestruck with his reverse-swat against Jofra Archer in the first T20I between India and England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. ALSO READ: IND vs ENG: Yuzvendra Chahal becomes India's leading wicket-taker in T20I Archer bowled a length delivery clocked at 141 kph, however, Pant, showing sheer audacity, reverse-swatted the English speedster for a massive six. This was not the first time Pant has reverse-swatted an English bowler in the ongoing full-fledged series. Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar was stunned with Pant's outrageous shot against the English quick. "To play a shot like that against a bowler who is bowling at 140-150 kph and that too when Jofra Archer followed him after seeing him getting into a position for a shot like that, and despite that he got bat to ball is praiseworthy. I was left astonished with his talent, ability, and where the skill level has gone," Bangar said on Star Sports. "He is a special player, he is a match-winner and stroke-maker. And sometimes he will get out playing such shots. So, it will be necessary that he is encouraged to play his natural game and he will then be able to win the maximum matches for the team, the way he did in Australia. "He did not get much batting before the Australia tour, he did a lot of hard work. He is playing in the same fashion, he is a game-changer who wins matches for his team," Bangar signed off. Earlier in the Test series, Pant reverse-swatted legendary pacer James Anderson as fans and pundits hailed the southpaw for showing immense courage against one of the greatest bowlers of all-time.

'Astonished': Sanjay Bangar lauds Rishabh Pant's reverse-flick that went for 6

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar is set to join Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant. Team's Twitter confirmed the news.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/vvs-laxman-urges-for-more-commitment-from-ajinkya-rahane-and-rohit-sharma-362800" hreflang="en">VVS Laxman urges for more 'commitment' from Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma</a>

Banger will join Simon Katich as the head coach and Mike Hesson, serving as director of operations.

"We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for #IPL2021!," the franchise tweeted.

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We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2021?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2021</a>! 🤩 
 
Welcome aboard, Coach! 🤜🏻🤛🏻<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreChallengers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreChallengers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NowARoyalChallenger?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NowARoyalChallenger</a> <a href="https://t.co/SWKLthSyXl">pic.twitter.com/SWKLthSyXl</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1359384155553820672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Sanjay Bangar became India's batting coach in 2014, he went on to hold the position till 2019 World Cup. He was succeeded by Vikram Rathour. Bangar has managed an IPL franchise in the past too. He joined Kings XI Punjab as an assistant coach before taking over as the head coach. &nbsp;

However, Bangar and KXIP went separate ways after the 2017 season. In 2020 IPL season, Bangar appeared in the commentary dugout during the matches analysing the shots played by the batsmen.&nbsp;

Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore released 10 players ahead of the 2021 season. These players were Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shivam Dube, Dale Steyn, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav.

The Banglore-based franchise will enter the IPL 2021 auctions with ₹35.7 crores left in their purse with 17 slots to fill (13 domestic and four overseas).&nbsp;

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar is set to join Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant. Team's Twitter confirmed the news.

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar is set to join Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore as a batting consultant. Team's Twitter confirmed the news. ALSO READ: VVS Laxman urges for more 'commitment' from Ajinkya Rahane and Rohit Sharma Banger will join Simon Katich as the head coach and Mike Hesson, serving as director of operations. "We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for #IPL2021!," the franchise tweeted. We are delighted to welcome Sanjay Bangar to the RCB Family as a batting consultant for #IPL2021! 🤩 Welcome aboard, Coach! 🤜🏻🤛🏻#PlayBold #WeAreChallengers #NowARoyalChallenger pic.twitter.com/SWKLthSyXl — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) February 10, 2021 × Sanjay Bangar became India's batting coach in 2014, he went on to hold the position till 2019 World Cup. He was succeeded by Vikram Rathour. Bangar has managed an IPL franchise in the past too. He joined Kings XI Punjab as an assistant coach before taking over as the head coach. However, Bangar and KXIP went separate ways after the 2017 season. In 2020 IPL season, Bangar appeared in the commentary dugout during the matches analysing the shots played by the batsmen. Virat's Royal Challengers Bangalore released 10 players ahead of the 2021 season. These players were Aaron Finch, Chris Morris, Isuru Udana, Moeen Ali, Pawan Negi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Shivam Dube, Dale Steyn, Parthiv Patel and Umesh Yadav. The Banglore-based franchise will enter the IPL 2021 auctions with ₹35.7 crores left in their purse with 17 slots to fill (13 domestic and four overseas).

IPL: Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar joins Royal Challengers Bangalore as batting consultant

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that MS Dhoni might hand over his captaincy in the upcoming IPL season and represent Chennai Super Kings as a player.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-cricketer-krunal-pandya-detained-at-mumbai-airport-342783" hreflang="en">Indian Cricketer Krunal Pandya detained at Mumbai airport</a>

In the recent episode of Star Sports' show Cricket Connected, Sanjay Bangar and Irfan Pathan discussed Chennai's strategies for IPL 2021 so that they don't repeat the 2020 debacle.&nbsp;

Pathan was asked if he sees MS Dhoni preparing someone to take over the CSK captaincy and if he has any such player in mind. Being a CSK player in the past, Irfan said that he can't think of anyone at the moment. Former India player went on to say that Dhoni will return to IPL 2021 "better prepared with more emphasis on fitness."

Irfan said: "As of now, I am not getting any such player in my mind. The next year I am seeing that MS Dhoni will come, there is only a gap of few months between this season and the next season, which means he will come better prepared with more emphasis on fitness."

However, Bangar believed that Dhoni might hand over his captaincy to Faf du Plessis as he in the past handed his reigns of India team to Virat at the right time.&nbsp;

Bangar said: "As far as I know, MS Dhoni might have thought after 2011 if he should be continuing to captain the Indian team but he knew that India had quite a few tough encounters after that, we had to go and play in England and Australia and at that time there was no captaincy candidate ready, so he only handled that burden and at the right time he handed over the captaincy to Virat Kohli and he also played after that."

"So as far as I can understand, I feel that MS Dhoni may not be the captain next year and may play as a player and give the captaincy at this stage to Faf du Plessis for the transition to happen under Faf du Plessis," Sanjay Bangar added.&nbsp;

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that MS Dhoni might hand over his captaincy in the upcoming IPL season and represent Chennai Super Kings as a player.

India's former batting coach Sanjay Bangar said that MS Dhoni might hand over his captaincy in the upcoming IPL season and represent Chennai Super Kings as a player. Also read: Indian Cricketer Krunal Pandya detained at Mumbai airport In the recent episode of Star Sports' show Cricket Connected, Sanjay Bangar and Irfan Pathan discussed Chennai's strategies for IPL 2021 so that they don't repeat the 2020 debacle. Pathan was asked if he sees MS Dhoni preparing someone to take over the CSK captaincy and if he has any such player in mind. Being a CSK player in the past, Irfan said that he can't think of anyone at the moment. Former India player went on to say that Dhoni will return to IPL 2021 "better prepared with more emphasis on fitness." Irfan said: "As of now, I am not getting any such player in my mind. The next year I am seeing that MS Dhoni will come, there is only a gap of few months between this season and the next season, which means he will come better prepared with more emphasis on fitness." However, Bangar believed that Dhoni might hand over his captaincy to Faf du Plessis as he in the past handed his reigns of India team to Virat at the right time. Bangar said: "As far as I know, MS Dhoni might have thought after 2011 if he should be continuing to captain the Indian team but he knew that India had quite a few tough encounters after that, we had to go and play in England and Australia and at that time there was no captaincy candidate ready, so he only handled that burden and at the right time he handed over the captaincy to Virat Kohli and he also played after that." "So as far as I can understand, I feel that MS Dhoni may not be the captain next year and may play as a player and give the captaincy at this stage to Faf du Plessis for the transition to happen under Faf du Plessis," Sanjay Bangar added.

IPL 2021: 'I feel that MS Dhoni may not be the captain next year'- Sanjay Bangar

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-opener-vikram-rathour-set-to-replace-sanjay-bangar-as-indias-batting-coach-244929">position of batting coach</a> of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies.

The former India allrounder sat between Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri, India’s bowling coach and head coach respectively, each of whom have kept their jobs. Standing next to Shastri was India skipper Virat Kohli.

It is now known whether Bangar – who also serves as India’s assistant coach – knew at the time that he was, in all probability, out of a job come the end of India’s tour of the West Indies next month. The BCCI selection committee had unanimously chosen former India Test opener and national selector Vikram Rathour as the next batting coach of the national team. Only formalities remain to confirm Rathour, 50, as the man to coach India’s batsmen from the home series against South Africa in September until the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup.

Arun aside, the other specialist coach in the Indian team setup, fielding coach R Sridhar, also had his contract renewed for two years on Thursday.

That means that only Bangar lost his job.

When asked by reporters in Mumbai why Bangar, who has been with the Indian team as batting coach since 2014, when he joined Shastri, Arun and Sridhar in a clean-up job by the BCCI, the chief selector MSK Prasad did not provide a specific reason.

“In the last five years, there is definitely some amount of improvement. Looking ahead, with the Test Championship coming up and two T20 World Cups, we thought that there should be freshness in the department. That’s the reason why we went ahead with Vikram Rathour as first choice,” he said.

The obvious question is, was Bangar made the scapegoat for India’s batting frailties during the 2019 World Cup, which culminated in defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final?

The “freshness” in the batting theory, which Prasad touched upon but did not elaborate on, will not set well with everyone. Such decisions rarely do.

It can be argued that since Bangar, Arun and Sridhar all came on board together in 2014, under Shastri, why weren’t the other two assistant coaches removed from their roles?

CricketCountry has learnt that the decision to replace Bangar was taken because the selectors were in agreement that a new pair of eyes were needed on India’s current crop of batsmen. With regards to Arun, the overall feeling was that the rise of India’s fast bowlers since he took over as bowling coach augured extremely well and that relationship should be continued with. Indeed, there has never been a pace pool like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all in the same squad, and the success of these bowlers has helped India become No 1 in Tests.

India’s bowling unit is apparently closer to Arun than the batsmen are to Bangar, and there is a view within the management that coaching bowlers is more technical than coaching batsmen. Hence the decision to continue with the same rhythm in place.

In regards to Sridhar’s reappointment, the rising standards of India’s fielding – even though the team’s slip cordon in Tests has issues still – merited his continuation.

As it stands, India’s support staff will be finalised by the end of August but the catch is that Rathour has to declare any cases of a conflict of interest, otherwise Bangar will be re-appointed.

Rathour, who averaged 13.10 from six Tests and 49.66 from 146 first-class matches, had earlier this year been recommended to the BCCI by Rahul Dravid, the coach of India A and India Under-19s, who wanted the former Punjab batsman and qualified coach on board as a batting coach.

In February, Rathour was named as the batting coach of India A and U-19 teams and then in May, was roped in as the head coach of India A. But on both occasions, his appointment was cancelled by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary sent a note of dissent citing the conflict of interest.

Rathour is the brother-in-law of Aashish Kapoor, the former India offspinner currently serving as chairman of India’s junior selection committee, and a cousin of Anurag Thakur, the former BCCI president and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president. Rathour, after his Punjab career ended, played for Himachal Pradesh.

It is learnt that Rathour’s case was apparently pushed by for Anurag Thakur, because on paper the former India opener’s CV does not make for impressing reading even though he is a qualified coach. On Thursday, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri dismissed any conflict of interest claims, as you would expect him to.

As with Indian cricket, nothing is straightforward and the fate of Bangar and Rathour is not decided.

For now, keep an eye on Bangar if you spot him on TV again during the ongoing Test series.&nbsp;

(This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the <a href="https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/indias-batting-coach-vikram-rathour-over-sanjay-bangar-might-be-unanimous-but-its-not-straightforward-883102">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his position of batting coach of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies.

Around the time that news broke from inside the corridors of the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai that Sanjay Bangar had all but lost his position of batting coach of the Indian cricket team, visuals of Bangar on the balcony at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at North Sound, Antigua were shown during the first Test against West Indies. The former India allrounder sat between Bharat Arun and Ravi Shastri, India’s bowling coach and head coach respectively, each of whom have kept their jobs. Standing next to Shastri was India skipper Virat Kohli. It is now known whether Bangar – who also serves as India’s assistant coach – knew at the time that he was, in all probability, out of a job come the end of India’s tour of the West Indies next month. The BCCI selection committee had unanimously chosen former India Test opener and national selector Vikram Rathour as the next batting coach of the national team. Only formalities remain to confirm Rathour, 50, as the man to coach India’s batsmen from the home series against South Africa in September until the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup. Arun aside, the other specialist coach in the Indian team setup, fielding coach R Sridhar, also had his contract renewed for two years on Thursday. That means that only Bangar lost his job. When asked by reporters in Mumbai why Bangar, who has been with the Indian team as batting coach since 2014, when he joined Shastri, Arun and Sridhar in a clean-up job by the BCCI, the chief selector MSK Prasad did not provide a specific reason. “In the last five years, there is definitely some amount of improvement. Looking ahead, with the Test Championship coming up and two T20 World Cups, we thought that there should be freshness in the department. That’s the reason why we went ahead with Vikram Rathour as first choice,” he said. The obvious question is, was Bangar made the scapegoat for India’s batting frailties during the 2019 World Cup, which culminated in defeat to New Zealand in the semi-final? The “freshness” in the batting theory, which Prasad touched upon but did not elaborate on, will not set well with everyone. Such decisions rarely do. It can be argued that since Bangar, Arun and Sridhar all came on board together in 2014, under Shastri, why weren’t the other two assistant coaches removed from their roles? CricketCountry has learnt that the decision to replace Bangar was taken because the selectors were in agreement that a new pair of eyes were needed on India’s current crop of batsmen. With regards to Arun, the overall feeling was that the rise of India’s fast bowlers since he took over as bowling coach augured extremely well and that relationship should be continued with. Indeed, there has never been a pace pool like Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav all in the same squad, and the success of these bowlers has helped India become No 1 in Tests. India’s bowling unit is apparently closer to Arun than the batsmen are to Bangar, and there is a view within the management that coaching bowlers is more technical than coaching batsmen. Hence the decision to continue with the same rhythm in place. In regards to Sridhar’s reappointment, the rising standards of India’s fielding – even though the team’s slip cordon in Tests has issues still – merited his continuation. As it stands, India’s support staff will be finalised by the end of August but the catch is that Rathour has to declare any cases of a conflict of interest, otherwise Bangar will be re-appointed. Rathour, who averaged 13.10 from six Tests and 49.66 from 146 first-class matches, had earlier this year been recommended to the BCCI by Rahul Dravid, the coach of India A and India Under-19s, who wanted the former Punjab batsman and qualified coach on board as a batting coach. In February, Rathour was named as the batting coach of India A and U-19 teams and then in May, was roped in as the head coach of India A. But on both occasions, his appointment was cancelled by the Committee of Administrators (CoA) after the acting BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary sent a note of dissent citing the conflict of interest. Rathour is the brother-in-law of Aashish Kapoor, the former India offspinner currently serving as chairman of India’s junior selection committee, and a cousin of Anurag Thakur, the former BCCI president and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president. Rathour, after his Punjab career ended, played for Himachal Pradesh. It is learnt that Rathour’s case was apparently pushed by for Anurag Thakur, because on paper the former India opener’s CV does not make for impressing reading even though he is a qualified coach. On Thursday, the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri dismissed any conflict of interest claims, as you would expect him to. As with Indian cricket, nothing is straightforward and the fate of Bangar and Rathour is not decided. For now, keep an eye on Bangar if you spot him on TV again during the ongoing Test series. (This article was originally published on Cricket Country. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India's batting coach: Vikram Rathour over Sanjay Bangar might be unanimous, but it's not straightforward

Former opener Vikram Rathour is expected to replace Sanjay Bangar as India's batting coach, the country's cricket board said on Thursday.

Rathour topped the list of candidates who were interviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Bangar came in second while former England batsman Mark Ramprakash was listed third.

"Vikram Rathour has got enough experience and we are convinced with his skill sets (as a coach)," BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri told reporters.

"The team management had their own views but looking ahead we felt there should be some freshness in the support staff."

The 50-year-old Rathour played just six Tests and seven one-day internationals between 1996-97, but had a long and successful domestic career with his home state of Punjab.

Meanwhile, current bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar have been retained for their jobs that will be soon formalised by the BCCI.

South African Jonty Rhodes missed out on the fielding position.

The support staff will work under head coach Ravi Shastri, who was given a two-year contract extension until the end of the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup.

Former opener Vikram Rathour is expected to replace Sanjay Bangar as India's batting coach, the country's cricket board said on Thursday. Rathour topped the list of candidates who were interviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Former opener Vikram Rathour is expected to replace Sanjay Bangar as India's batting coach, the country's cricket board said on Thursday. Rathour topped the list of candidates who were interviewed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Bangar came in second while former England batsman Mark Ramprakash was listed third. "Vikram Rathour has got enough experience and we are convinced with his skill sets (as a coach)," BCCI chief executive Rahul Johri told reporters. "The team management had their own views but looking ahead we felt there should be some freshness in the support staff." The 50-year-old Rathour played just six Tests and seven one-day internationals between 1996-97, but had a long and successful domestic career with his home state of Punjab. Meanwhile, current bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach Ramakrishnan Sridhar have been retained for their jobs that will be soon formalised by the BCCI. South African Jonty Rhodes missed out on the fielding position. The support staff will work under head coach Ravi Shastri, who was given a two-year contract extension until the end of the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup.

Former opener Vikram Rathour set to replace Sanjay Bangar as India's batting coach

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup.&nbsp;

Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/final-call-on-precious-shikhar-dhawan-only-after-10-12-days-sanjay-bangar-226591">Sanjay Bangar</a>, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-to-begin-icc-world-test-championship-against-west-indies-226732">India tour of West Indies</a>.&nbsp;

The series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests will take place from August 3 to September 3.&nbsp;

"Yes, they have got 45 days extension till the end of the West Indies tour because the process will complete after the World Cup. There is no time in between so it doesn't make sense to do things in a hurry," a BCCI official told ANI.&nbsp;

India have won their first two matches, defeating South Africa by six wickets and Australia by 36 runs, respectively.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rain-set-to-play-spoilsport-at-india-vs-new-zealand-world-cup-clash-226768">Virat Kohli-led team</a> will take on New Zealand at Trent Bridge today.&nbsp;

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of India tour of West Indies.

India head coach Ravi Shastri and support staff have been given a 45-day contract extension after the ongoing campaign at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Shastri and the support staff, including assistant coach Sanjay Bangar, bowling coach Bharat Arun and fielding coach R Sridhar, will continue with their roles till the end of India tour of West Indies. The series comprising three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests will take place from August 3 to September 3. "Yes, they have got 45 days extension till the end of the West Indies tour because the process will complete after the World Cup. There is no time in between so it doesn't make sense to do things in a hurry," a BCCI official told ANI. India have won their first two matches, defeating South Africa by six wickets and Australia by 36 runs, respectively. Virat Kohli-led team will take on New Zealand at Trent Bridge today.

Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Bangar among other support staff granted 45-day contract extension

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday.

Dhawan will miss three to four games due to the hairline fracture on his left thumb and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-to-be-flown-in-today-as-cover-for-injured-shikhar-dhawan-says-bcci-official-226423">Rishabh Pant</a> will join the team as cover in Manchester ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday.

"As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands," Bangar said on the eve of the game against New Zealand here.

"We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury," he added.

The assistant coach's statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16), Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester).

Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-shikhar-dhawan-ruled-out-for-three-weeks-due-to-injury-226202">Dhawan </a>is ruled out of the tournament.

"Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by," Bangar said.

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday.

A final decision on Shikhar Dhawan's availability at the ongoing World Cup will be taken only after 10 to 12 days as he is too "precious" to be ruled out just yet, India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said Wednesday. Dhawan will miss three to four games due to the hairline fracture on his left thumb and Rishabh Pant will join the team as cover in Manchester ahead of the clash against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. "As far as Shikhar is concerned, we are observing him and it will take some time, around 10 or 12 days to figure out where he stands," Bangar said on the eve of the game against New Zealand here. "We will be in a better position to take a call then because we don't want to rule out a precious player like Shikhar, straight at the time of the injury," he added. The assistant coach's statement means that Dhawan will be out of the games against New Zealand (Thursday), Pakistan (Manchester, June 16), Afghanistan (June 22, Southampton) and West Indies (June 27, Manchester). Bangar also informed that Pant is being summoned so that he can train with the team and be match-ready in case Dhawan is ruled out of the tournament. "Since Dhawan's assessment will take 10-12 days, till that point of time, we wanted to make sure if and when the replacement is required and I am saying if and when, then it is always good to have a replacement player coming in and practising with the team as a stand-by," Bangar said.

Final call on 'precious' Shikhar Dhawan only after 10-12 days: Sanjay Bangar

India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said that the management wants a right-left combination to fire the top batting, hence left-handed batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays an important role in India batting plans with the ICC World Cup round the corner.

Dhawan has failed in 14 out of his 16 innings but Bangar feels that more than anything else, it's his shot selection that has let him down.

"In the previous game, he (Dhawan) was batting really well till he erred in shot selection. But from our point of view, he has been an important player," said Bangar.

"If we know that he gets going, he can give us that solidity as it is vital to have that right-left combination going. He is a hugely valuable player for us and he is expected to come good very soon," Bangar added.

Recently, Dhawan has been dropped from the top rank of India's annual contracts.

Bangar was also sympathetic for Ambati Rayudu, who Friday got a brilliant delivery from Pat Cummins.

"These games are valuable opportunities for all players concerned and even for us so that the players are at their utmost best when we go into the World Cup. Don't forget that in the last game in New Zealand, Rayudu scored a match-winning 90," Bangar said.

"Today's delivery that he got, could have gotten out any batsmen with that pace and low bounce. Players are expected to take chances and that's what we are expecting of every player," Bangar explained.

In the fourth match of the five-match series against Australia, India will look to win series in Mohali on Sunday.

India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said that the management wants a right-left combination to fire the top batting, hence left-handed batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays an important role in India batting plans with the ICC World Cup round the corner.

India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said that the management wants a right-left combination to fire the top batting, hence left-handed batsman Shikhar Dhawan plays an important role in India batting plans with the ICC World Cup round the corner. Dhawan has failed in 14 out of his 16 innings but Bangar feels that more than anything else, it's his shot selection that has let him down. "In the previous game, he (Dhawan) was batting really well till he erred in shot selection. But from our point of view, he has been an important player," said Bangar. "If we know that he gets going, he can give us that solidity as it is vital to have that right-left combination going. He is a hugely valuable player for us and he is expected to come good very soon," Bangar added. Recently, Dhawan has been dropped from the top rank of India's annual contracts. Bangar was also sympathetic for Ambati Rayudu, who Friday got a brilliant delivery from Pat Cummins. "These games are valuable opportunities for all players concerned and even for us so that the players are at their utmost best when we go into the World Cup. Don't forget that in the last game in New Zealand, Rayudu scored a match-winning 90," Bangar said. "Today's delivery that he got, could have gotten out any batsmen with that pace and low bounce. Players are expected to take chances and that's what we are expecting of every player," Bangar explained. In the fourth match of the five-match series against Australia, India will look to win series in Mohali on Sunday.

Shikhar Dhawan is vital as we need left-right combination at top going: Sanjay Bangar

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