Empowering the bowler is key: Bharat Arun

With spinners Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin sharing 12 scalps apiece in three innings in the ongoing Test series, the speedsters’ contribution to India’s success has been minimum. But India bowling coach Bharat Arun fervently disagrees while elucidating the fact that there are enough fast bowlers in the mix.

“I would like to disagree on that because we do have quality pacers, we have at least four fast bowlers who can clock over 140 kmph consistently. Right now we would like to play on wickets (spin) that are more conducive to our team and our strategies,” he explained after the second day’s play was rained out.

Arun, who took charge last August, believes empowering the bowler will fetch results as evidenced by Ashwin’s form. “It’s all about creating awareness, make him aware of what he is doing. It’s also about empowering a bowler. The challenge is to empower them so that they are able to feel what they are doing,” said the 52-year-old.

Having been recalled for the Test series, Jadeja has made remarkable comeback following a 15-month hiatus. The Saurashtra all-rounder earned a call-up after grabbing 37 wickets at an impressive average of 10.55 in the Ranji Trophy. “He had time to think, work on it and where to improve. His performance in the Ranji Trophy should have given him loads of confidence. Moreover, Jadeja is one of our bank of bowlers no matter what — whether Test or one-dayers. He’s using that strength to the advantage now,” asserted Arun.

With India comfortably placed at 80/0 and the forecast predicting more downpour in the next few days, Arun wants the batsmen to pile up a big total. “We would like to take up session by session in our batting and put up a very good score and then take it forward from there. But first things first, we would look to put up a very good total to be in the driver’s seat,” he concluded.

On a cold, lazy Sunday morning, a large number of fans eagerly waited for some on-field action but the rain gods showed no mercy leaving the players just chilled out in the dressing room. “We are 24 of us in the dressing room. Some of them watched the Australia-New Zealand match. Someone recollected old things and we had a good laugh. There’s always music playing, so if you want to dance, you can go ahead and do that,” said Arun jokingly.