AUS vs IND: Dry Up Aussies' Off-Side Strokes, Bharat Arun Reveals Success Mantra

In July 2020, when the world was reeling under the Covid-19 pandemic and there was no cricket in sight for India, bowling coach Bharat Arun got a call from head coach Ravi Shastri who asked him to dev

"Ravi said to come up with a plan to eat out the off-side. Our idea was to pack the leg-side with fielders. We employed the theory in Adelaide with Kohli as captain. Then when Rahane took over, we continued to do the same. The bowlers responded well," added Arun.

The India bowling coach, a former India pace bowler, credited Shastri for ensuring that the net bowlers didn't leave at the end of the limited-overs series.

"Australia tour is a great challenge. It is one of the most challenging tours. It was a great move by Shastri to hold back all bowlers. They were supposed to leave after the limited-overs leg. We thought if something happens, it will be tough to seek replacements (during Covid-19). Them being with us throughout helped. They knew what to do," added Arun.

The bowling coach added that all the players were treated equally and given the opportunity to play at the nets.

"Washington Sundar used to spend half an hour everyday batting. We (the coaching staff and throw-down experts) needed to spend extra hours, but everyone was treated equally, given equal attention and importance. It paid off. When we wanted it the most, it helped," said the 58-year-old former India and Tamil Nadu player.