Use of angular bat hurting Gambhir, says coach

Coach Sanjay Bharadwaj tells Manu Shankar that more than technical, it's the mental aspect that's troubling the opener most.

Gautam Gambhir's batting woes continue to haunt him. He was back in the hut cheaply in the first innings of the second Test in Mumbai after being adjudged leg before wicket to James Anderson for 4, off the second ball of the match.

Both the Indian openers, Virender Sehwag and Gambhir, were under the scanner before the ongoing series following a string of poor scores in Tests over the last two years.

Sehwag, however, hit a magnificent century in Ahmedabad to redeem himself, while Gambhir got 45 in the first Test, in which he did not bat in the second innings as India won by nine wickets.

Ask coach Sanjay Bharadwaj what's wrong with Gambhir's batting, and he will tell you that more than technical, it's the mental aspect that's troubling him most.

"Gambhir is batting in a shell. He is not confident at the moment," explained Bharadwaj.

"Moreover, he is taking a lot of pressure, rather than relaxing at the crease. It's a phase, and it happens to everyone.

"If you saw the Test, even Sachin (Tendulkar) is struggling to get runs," he added.

Gambhir's last century came against Bangladesh in 2010. Since then the barren run continues. His scores in his last ten Tests read: 83, 31, 14, 34, 3, 22, 2, 34, 45, and 4, at an average of 27.20.

Since the last 20 Tests his average has dipped under 30.

Bharadwaj has already chalked down a few plans to rectify the chinks in the batsman's armour.

"We had a long chat yesterday. We will sort a few things out during the break in the next few days and one can see him scoring runs once again," said Bharadwaj.

Gambhir's main flaw, he pointed out, is playing with an angular bat.

"He is batting with an angular bat rather than a straight bat, and that's what why you will see his dismissals more in the form of caught behind or LBWs or bowled.

"Moreover, he is mostly stuck on his crease these days. But these are small issues, just need to work it out with him," added Bharadwaj.

Former India opener Chetan Chauhan agrees with Bharadwaj.

"Both Sehwag and Gambhir are tremendous match-winners for India. True, Gauti is struggling to get runs, but one innings will change everything for him.

"Even the 45 that he made in the first Test was a good knock," said Chauhan.

"When you are out of form, everyone will try and find fault with your technique, but, as an individual, it's important to stay positive and work on the same formula that has got you success," he added.