The flamboyant Indian opener, KL Rahul is a strong contender for the opening slots for India’s first Test against Australia next week but his knack of “finding new ways to get himself out” has not gone down well with the Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar. Rahul was the only Indian batsman to miss out on a significant score as the Indian team was bundled out for a total of 358 on day two of the four-day tour game here. He got dismissed for three runs while playing a loose drive on the up and was caught at mid-off within the first hour of play.
As many as five different Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw, scored half-centuries in what Bangar termed as a satisfactory outing.
During the press conference after the end of day’s play, Bangar said, “He (Rahul) has been looking in good shape, including today. It is just that he is finding new ways to get out. Even today, the ball was quite afar when he played it away from his body and lost his wicket. But what we are reading he is playing the ball well and he is one hit away (from form). We know his ability and if he converts that to performances then it is important for the team. He has played 30 Tests and he has a responsibility. We expect him to play with that responsibility and play his role for the team.”
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Bangar also gave some clarifications regarding the opening combination, as well as the number six slot for the first Test in Adelaide beginning December 6, which are still up for grabs. He said the second innings will help decide about the composition of the batting line-up, with Rahul, Murali Vijay, Rohit Sharma and Hanuma Vihari in focus for the opening and number six spots.
Describing the same further, Sanjay said, “I would say there are still some spots to be taken. We are looking at the opening slot as well as the number six slot. Those are the positions we are still looking at, we have not decided yet. It was important that we switch to this format of the game because some of the guys are coming from T20s. All of them got to spend some time in the middle and get some runs. From that perspective, Virat switching formats from T20 to four-day game, Pujara coming straight back in the groove, Ajinkya spending a lot of time. Hanuma Vihari played with a lot of confidence and clarity. Rohit came back and got a knock, spending some time in the middle. All in all pretty satisfying effort from our side.”
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When asked about the quality of Cricket Australia XI’s pace attack, Bangar said that the visitors did not have any complaints. Commenting his thoughts on the young prodigy, set the tone early on and hit a carefree half-century. Bangar was all praise for Shaw who has pretty much nailed his spot in the playing eleven for the first Test.
Bangar concluded, “He has made a mark straightaway in whichever format he has played limited overs or first-class cricket, Irani Trophy, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy or India A. He plays with a lot of clarity and the impressive thing about him is that he gets into good positions with the clarity of mind and fearlessness of youth that helps him quite a bit.”
