India is firmly behind seasoned batsman KL Rahul as he aims to rediscover his run-scoring touch in the lead-up to a packed schedule of nine Test matches over the next four months. The journey begins with the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur on Friday.
While Rahul’s return to the side in the first Test against Bangladesh was marked by scores of 16 and 22 not out, the team remains confident in his abilities. His last century came in December 2023, a stark contrast to his prolific past. However, his recent innings against England, where he scored 86 and 22, have injected a glimmer of hope.
Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shared his perspective on Rahul’s current form, stating, “I feel KL is someone who understands his game very well. Yes, there are times where a player is finding his feet. Hopefully, we can have a turnaround in KL as well.”
The upcoming schedule is a demanding one, with three Tests at home against New Zealand starting on October 16, followed by a five-Test tour of Australia, kicking off in Perth on November 22.
Nayar highlighted Rahul’s positive contributions in the first Test against Bangladesh, particularly his 22 runs off 19 balls in the second innings, which played a key role in India’s declaration. “The way he was batting in the second innings is the kind of cricket we are expecting and hoping for,” Nayar said. “I am pretty sure going forward you will see the expectations and the performances that you have from him.”
India’s resounding victory against Bangladesh, by 280 runs, has propelled their Test win rate above 50 percent for the first time in history, with 179 wins to 178 defeats. This achievement adds another layer of significance to the upcoming matches, and India will be looking to maintain this momentum with Rahul at the forefront of their batting line-up.
