Brian Lara exposes the psychological toll of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s poor form at Team India

Legendary West Indian batsman Brian Lara has a clear batting strategy for India’s openers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for their opening match of the Super 8 against Afghanistan, to be held on June 20 at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados.

Indian batters have struggled to put runs on the board in each of the three matches so far. The bowling-friendly pitch in New York played a major role in India’s batting woes.

But with the tournament moving to the Caribbean, Indian batters are expected to compliment their bowlers. As expected, it will be up to star batters Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma to deliver the ball.

Also read: Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma will destroy Afghanistan in T20 World Cup, predicts ex-Indian coach

Brian Lara on India’s batting strategy for the Super 8 match against Afghanistan

West Indies legend Brian Lara has all the experience of playing in Caribbean conditions and knows how to perform there. Lara wants one of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to anchor and play according to the terms.

“I think there’s all kinds of possibilities. They’re two very aggressive players. They’re two world-class players. But sometimes when it comes to building a partnership in the Caribbean, you think well, you know there’s 60- 70 runs in.” the power play would be a great start, I think you can afford to anchor, but it all depends on the matchups,” Lara thought.

If you feel as a batsman you are better equipped than the other player to do well against a bowler, then you do it. So I think it’s a conversation that needs to happen in the middle, and that doesn’t necessarily mean they need to come from both sides,” he added.

‘They can keep thinking positive’ – Brian Lara wants India to be positive

Lara also mentioned the importance of India’s opening partnership and opined that the form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will have a positive impact on the rest of the players.

“I think it is crucial for India to make this partnership work because they have such an impact on the team. It is clear that India have been playing good cricket. They have not lost a match in the tournament so far and they can keep thinking positively. But You know, I think psychologically they would know how important it is for these players to get in shape quickly, so there are different ways to go about that,” the West Indian great said.

I don’t feel like blowing away in the Caribbean is one of the things you know. You just have to think about what you are doing and build a good partnership because more often than not when you play Afghanistan you know more than you think: when are the spinners coming? Then the match starts,” Lara warned India against behaving too aggressively.

After playing Afghanistan, India will play Bangladesh in Antigua on June 22. The Men in Blue will play their final Super 8 match against Australia in St. Lucia.