India men’s assistant coach Abhishek Nayar is optimistic that he and head coach Gautam Gambhir can help improve KL Rahul’s batting form in the upcoming weeks. He noted that Rahul is adjusting after a lengthy absence from red-ball cricket and just needs some guidance to regain his top performance.
Once a guaranteed selection for India in all formats, Rahul is now struggling to secure his spot in the national team after several disappointing performances, including during the IPL. His highest score in the last 10 innings, which includes the IPL, ODIs against Sri Lanka, the Duleep Trophy, and the ongoing Tests against Bangladesh, is just 57.
“I think when you are playing for India, inspiration is not something you need,” Nayar told media on the eve of the second Test in Kanpur. “Sometimes, it’s just direction. I feel KL is… having spent a little time with him in the last few days, I think he is someone who understands his game very well.”
Nayar also cautioned against overanalyzing the Lucknow Super Giants captain’s statistics, stating:
“There are times when a player is finding his feet. I feel in South Africa, Rahul played some tremendous knocks for India. We are very hopeful that with the combination of Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) and myself, we can bring about a turnaround for him.”
Rahul appeared at ease at the crease, scoring 16 in the first innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh before he edged a flick to short leg off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s left-arm spin. In the following innings, India declared while he was on 22.
“Rahul’s approach in the second innings was encouraging”- Abhishek Nayar
With India having built a 400-run lead by the time Rahul came to bat, the right-hander was able to play freely, hitting four boundaries in 19 balls. Nayar viewed this as a positive sign and expressed confidence that Rahul will soon meet expectations.
“The way he batted in the second innings of the last game showed what we’re looking for. Even though we didn’t give him much of a chance in the second innings, his approach was promising,” the assistant coach noted. “I’m confident that going forward, the expectations from him will align with his performances.”
India and Bangladesh will meet for the second Test of the series in Kanpur on Friday at 9:30 am IST.
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