India fielding coach credits experience for sharp ground fielding
Subhadeep Ghosh said anticipation built through playing in set positions helped Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the first ODI against New Zealand.
India fielding coach Subhadeep Ghosh praised the team's sharp fielding on Friday, ahead of the second one-day international against New Zealand, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said in a statement.
Ghosh said India's disciplined effort in the first match, a five-wicket win under the DLS method in Auckland on Nov. 4, came from tight bowling and sharp fielding that restricted New Zealand to around 180.
He singled out veterans Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, saying their game reading helps them act before others.
"I think anticipation is extremely important," Ghosh said.
"The more time you spend in a particular fielding position, the better you become at reading the game."
Ghosh said Kohli, who has fielded at cover and point countless times, reads situations slightly earlier than others.
He also praised Rohit's instinct in a run-out of Daryl Mitchell in the first match, when Rohit attacked a ball nudged to the leg side from mid-wicket and threw underarm.
"He anticipated that the ball would go towards square leg," Ghosh said.
"That's what makes the difference."
Ghosh also stressed the need for quick adaptability on tour, saying ground dimensions, cold weather and the position of the boundary rope all demand careful attention.
"When you travel to different countries, adapting to new conditions is always a challenge," he said.
He said the squad's mindset matters as much as technique, adding that optional training sessions are available to players.
The five-match series continues with the second game in Wellington on Nov. 7, followed by matches in Hamilton on Nov. 10 and Mount Maunganui on Nov. 13 and Nov. 15.