India's assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, has backed the out-of-form Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, urging everyone to be patient towards them ahead of the Mumbai Test. Nayar also stated that both legendary batters need "space and time to come back" as India prepares for the third and final Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium as well.

However, following a historic series defeat in Pune — India’s first defeat at home in over a decade — Nayar supported the team’s commitment and denied rumours that the Indian team had requested spinning pitches to have more home-field advantage. India’s defeat by 113 runs on a spin-friendly Pune pitch made speculation that the Wankhede surface could also favour spin as well. However, Nayar cleared the air.

"I wish we could curate pitches, but we don't. The curators do," - Abhishek Nayar

"I wish we could curate pitches, but we don't. The curators do," Nayar said. “Whatever we're provided with, we go on and play. As cricketers, we try to adapt to whatever conditions are given. I've seen nothing but love for them all over," Nayar said. “When a top player goes through a lull, it’s often about giving them the space to work it out and trusting that they will find their way back. They’re putting in the effort.”

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However, despite the disappointing home series results, Abhishek Nayar said that the dedication is there not just from Kohli and Rohit but from the entire team, including youngsters like Shubman Gill. He also added that the unified desire among all players to turn things around as well.

"I feel they're putting in the hard yards" - Abhishek Nayar on Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma

"I've seen nothing but love for them all over. When a top player, when someone who's been through the journey, goes through a lull, a lot of times it's about giving them their space and trusting that they will come back. They will put in the work,” he said. "Everyone's worked really hard, everyone wants to do well, whether you're Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma or even someone as young as Shubman Gill. The effort is there."

"The approach is great. I feel they're putting in the hard yards. Sometimes, sometimes you've got to be a little patient, even with the greatest of players, and they can have tough times. I'm pretty sure sooner rather than later, we'll have more to praise about Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma and everyone else as well. (We need to have) just a bit of patience," he concluded.