Rohit Sharma Backs KL Rahul Amid Criticism, Confident in His Test Potential

(India Commonwealth) The skipper of Team India, Rohit Sharma, has backed veteran batsman KL Rahul, expressing the hope that the “clear message” will enable Rahul to advance in the longest format of cricket.

Since Sarfaraz Khan played admirably in the most recent home series against England, Rahul’s position in the middle order has come under criticism.
Rahul demonstrated class in December 2023 when he scored a century against South Africa in Centurion and then an 86 against England in Hyderabad before suffering an injury that kept him out of the remaining Test matches.

Rahul will start the opening Test match against Bangladesh starting on Thursday in Chennai, according to Rohit, who expressed faith in his ability.

“I believe that everyone is aware of KL’s particular quality. We sent him a very clear message, which was that we wanted him to participate in every game. We want him to perform to the highest level. And it is our responsibility to help him reach his full potential,” Rohit stated on Tuesday during the news conference leading up to the game.

It’s critical that we make it very evident to him what is expected of him. We’ve done that, I believe,” he continued. Rahul is a valuable asset both at home and away since he can play both pace and spin equally effectively, according to Rohit.

“In South Africa, he received a 100. After scoring 80 in the opening Test match in Hyderabad, he sustained an injury. Regretfully, the injury prevented him from participating in any of the next games. I’m hoping he picks up where he left off in Hyderabad.

He has the seamers and the game to play the spin. I see no reason why he can’t be successful in Test cricket, then. The opportunities are clearly present right now,” he said.

The skipper did not overlook the fact, though, that Rahul must ultimately make the most of the opportunities presented to him at this level.

“The man has talent, so it’s critical that we communicate with him clearly each and every time we have a chance to talk.” According to Rohit, “it’s for him to understand now how he wants to, you know, take his career forward.”

Ten Tests in fifteen weeks is a demanding schedule for the team, and Rohit acknowledged that measures were in place to safeguard players like Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah.

“Our plans for managing these bowlers have been outlined,” Rohit remarked. “But once more, everything is dependent on how much work they have put into these games. Yes, we will keep an eye on that. We did a fairly good job at it, I believe. We even managed to knock Bumrah off one Test match when we played England. We were able to spare Siraj one Test match.

“Therefore, it all depends on how the body feels at that specific moment, how strong and conditioning they are, and how the physios assess them to determine when it is appropriate to give them a break from the game and then answer the phone.”

“There are many bowlers who support us,” he remarked. We also noticed some intriguing possibilities in the Duleep Trophy. Regarding the kind of bowlers who are holding out for us, I am not overly concerned.

Gambhir would be leading the Test team for the first time, and Rohit was optimistic that he could adapt to his ideas. “I know both Abhishek Nayar and Gautam Gambhir, but the staff is new,” Rohit remarked.

“Morne Morkel and I have played a lot of cricket together; we have had some intense matches. I’ve also played against Ryan (ten Doeschate) a few times, but our communication hasn’t been as strong in the past. Given how fast he began to grasp things about the team, based on my interactions with him in Sri Lanka, I believe he has a reasonable and understanding personality.

“As for Nayar and Gambhir, as I mentioned earlier, I know them well. They will now play their second series with the team after winning the first one (under their direction) against Sri Lanka. Everybody has a distinct style. Paras Mhambrey, Vikram Rathour, and Rahul (Dravid) bhai…

Thus, it’s critical to adapt. As a player, there haven’t been any difficulties or troubles thus far. As I previously stated, the most crucial factor is if coaches and players have mutual understanding. Furthermore, our comprehension is solid.