The series against England is KL Rahul's opportunity to overcome the formidable presence of veterans like Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rohit Sharma and firmly establish himself as a key member of the Test team, according to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar. A new era for India's red-ball team has begun with the official retirement of Rohit and Kohli from the format, as well as the absence of Rahane and Pujara from the Test setup over the past few years.
Rahul, who has amassed 614 runs at an average of 34.11 in 9 games, has a respectable Test record in English conditions. Two skillfully constructed hundreds in his total demonstrate his versatility and ability to execute under trying English conditions. Alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, he will open the innings during the tour. He is anticipated to tackle the new ball in swinging conditions and provide the middle order with a platform to exploit it.
According to Bangar, who has worked closely with Rahul during his time as India's head coach, he has had the opportunity to rise beyond the shadows of seniors for the last ten years.
"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," he responded.
Rahul, who is now among the elder statesmen in the batting line-up, has a fantastic chance to establish his domination and establish himself as one of the greats of Indian cricket in the next WTC cycle, according to Bangar.
"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.
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With centuries in South Africa, Australia, and England, Rahul has demonstrated his ability to perform well under challenging international conditions. Now, he is entering an exciting new phase of his career in red-ball cricket.
"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.
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