New Zealand's small boundaries are challenging for players: Subhadip Ghosh

Indian cricket team fielding coach Subhadip Ghosh stated on Friday that the small boundaries of the grounds in New Zealand pose a significant challenge for fielders. He added that small boundaries reduce the reaction time of players, leaving them with very little time to respond to the ball. However, experienced players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are able to overcome this challenge due to the 'muscle memory' developed by fielding in the same position for years.

Subhadip Ghosh replaced the long-serving T. Dilip this August. He stated that his preparations have primarily focused on improving the players' stability and judgment of the ball. India won the T20 series against New Zealand 3-2, and by dominating the first ODI match played in Auckland, India leads the five-match ODI series 1-0.

On the eve of the second ODI match to be played on Saturday, Ghosh, while discussing the performance in the first match, said, "We performed well in the first ODI, we got some good catches, the ground fielding was good and the intensity was also appropriate." He acknowledged that catching is part of the game and sometimes some catches are dropped. He further mentioned that the team is aware of this and is taking responsibility. Many aspects are being emphasized during practice sessions. Judging the ball in New Zealand is very important; special emphasis is being laid in the dressing room on aspects such as ball movement and stability.

When asked about the brilliant catch taken by Virat Kohli and the precise run-out executed by Rohit Sharma in the first match of the series, Ghosh said that both these legendary players benefit from the muscle memory gained by fielding in the same spot for years. He explained that 'anticipation' is very important in fielding. Virat Kohli has fielded at covers and point millions of times, so he knows about the trajectory of the ball, its path, and its impact. He can read the situation faster than other players. In the case of Rohit Sharma's run-out, he was also anticipating the ball in advance. According to Ghosh, such ability develops through experience, natural talent, and repeated performance of the same task.

Light balls are being used in fielding practice to improve the reaction time of the players. Ghosh stated that a light ball moves away from the player, requiring more stability to catch it. He added that when you play on a ground with small boundaries, there is no outfielder; every player becomes an infielder because the boundary is very close and the reaction time decreases.

When asked whether the busy series schedule, including two Test matches to be played at the end of this month, is having a physical impact on the players, Ghosh said, "It is a matter of mindset. Physically it is challenging, but the players have played so much cricket that they know how to react in such situations." Additionally, he declined to provide information on whether Mohammed Siraj would play in Saturday's match, stating that the management would take the decision. All these details have emerged according to a Sportstar report.