India wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat on Monday revealed that skipper Rohit Sharma has advised him to express his thoughts on whatever he feels over DRS calls during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After making his debut in the first Test at Nagpur, Bharat has bagged four catches and a stumping across India's massive victories in the first two matches of the series. He has also been a key factor in India making some decisive DRS calls during matches in Nagpur and New Delhi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Rohit bhai and myself had a word. He said, 'you are the best judge, as you stay close to the batsman. So whatever you feel, just give your opinion. You, me and the bowler - the three of us will discuss, and we will take a call'.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He said, 'don't worry about whether it is going to go our way or their way. Just back your instinct - whatever you feel, just put it across'. So the message is clear," said Bharat in the press conference, ahead of the third Test starting from Wednesday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After not making much of an impression with the bat in his first three Test innings, Bharat played a counter-attacking 23 not out off 22 balls which featured three fours and a six as India chased down 115 in New Delhi to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in four-match series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I enjoyed playing whatever I did in Delhi. It was about keeping it simple and backing your defence. Wickets are not unplayable, just have to back your defence. Rohit bhai told me that I will go in at No. 6 (in the 2nd innings).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
I was ready the minute they (Australia) got all out. As a player, when you sit out, you just can't relax saying, 'it's not going to be my day'. You always have to be in the game," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Lucky enough that I got an opportunity to go in and bat. The intent is never a problem, shot selection is critical on these tracks. Runs will come here if shot selection is right. Trusting defence is key," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about the tough job of wicketkeeping when Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are bowling in tandem, Bharat said, "They are top-class spinners. It is not easy keeping but keeping in domestic cricket all these years has helped."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bharat, who plays domestic cricket for Andhra, had been the second wicketkeeper in the Indian team since 2019 and got his chance when first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was sidelined due to multiple injuries sustained in a serious car accident on December 30, 2022.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"As a player, you always expect the opportunity to come to your door. For me, I have always prepared myself for any opportunity. I got to play in Nagpur after my time with India A and years of domestic cricket. You want to play for the country, it is the biggest dream. When the opportunity comes, I will take it," he concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bharat, who plays domestic cricket for Andhra, had been the second wicketkeeper in the Indian team since 2019 and got his chance when first-choice wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was sidelined due to multiple injuries sustained in a serious car accident on December 30, 2022.<\/p>\r\n\r\n