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Dinesh Lad, Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach, highlights the role of tennis-ball cricket in shaping Rohit’s batting skills, especially his iconic pull shots.
Rohit Sharma, the Indian Test and ODI captain. (Image: Sportzpics)
Rohit Sharma’s childhood coach, Dinesh Lad, has emphasised the importance of tennis-ball cricket in shaping the India skipper’s batting skills. Widely regarded as a breeding ground for aspiring cricketers, this format had a major impact on Rohit’s game, particularly his pull shots.
In a recent interview, Lad highlighted how practising with a wet tennis ball helped refine Rohit’s technique. “He used to practice with a wet tennis ball, which would skid off the surface. The way he plays straight shots and pull shots today is largely influenced by those early training sessions,” Lad said, as quoted by the Times of India.
The Dronacharya awardee also underlined the importance of tennis-ball cricket in a player’s overall development. “Most cricketers start with a tennis ball, and it is especially useful during the rainy season. It plays a crucial role in sharpening batting skills, particularly pull shots,” he added.
In the same interview, Dinesh Lad was asked if tennis cricket leagues like Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) had the potential to provide India with stars like Rohit Sharma in the future. The former cricketer claimed the potential of such tournaments cannot be denied. “There are possibilities that the league can produce great players who can play at the national as well as international levels. We’ve witnessed some great action, especially the bowlers have been restricting the batsmen to play big shots,” he said.
Rohit Sharma is set to lead India’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign later this month. The India skipper recently showcased his prowess against England. The 37-year-old opening batter smashed a 32nd ODI century at Barabati Stadium on February 9. He scored a 90-ball 119 to help India win the match by four wickets and secure an unassailable 2-0 lead. Rohit will now hope to whitewash the Jos Buttler-led side before the ICC event commences.
The third ODI between India and England will take place on Wednesday, February 12. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the final fixture. As for the Champions Trophy, India is scheduled to lock horns with Bangladesh in their tournament opener on February 20.
