Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes the upcoming five-match Test series against England will be a huge opportunity for KL Rahul after playing under the shadow of marquee players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara.
Rahul has been in good form and he would look to carry the same impetus in the series. The flamboyant batter had opened the innings against England Lions in the second unofficial Test and returned with scores of 116 and 51.
The right-hander also has all the experience under his belt and he is going to hold the key as a senior batter in the team after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement.
“I think what he is expecting from himself is going to be extremely critical. Now that he has been with the team since 2014, it’s 10 long years, he has the opportunity to come outside the shadows of maybe Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma. He has always played under the shadow of these marquee players,” Bangar said on Star Sports show Game Plan.
The former Indian all-rounder said Rahul can stamp his authority in this upcoming WTC cycle 2025-27.
“In this World Test Championship cycle, he can stamp his authority and make this phase his own. From that perspective, it’s a very exciting phase for KL Rahul. If he does end up doing this, I think his name will also be taken in the same realm as the cricketing greats of the Indian fraternity who have played Test matches,” Bangar elaborated.
Bangar said Rahul would be confident after proving his mettle all around the globe.
“So that’s a huge opportunity for him, and he has got all the experience. Along with that, what should give him confidence is that he has scored hundreds under trying circumstances all around the globe. So, I believe exciting phase for KL Rahul from hereon,” he observed.
Speaking on his advice for the Indian openers – Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul – Bangar said, “Do the basics right. Leave a lot of balls. At the same point in time, always try and find areas to score runs as well. It’s going to be a mix of caution as well as discipline.”
The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.
