NEW DELHI: With India gearing up for their two-match Test series against Bangladesh, captain Rohit Sharma has offered unwavering support to KL Rahul, emphasizing the team’s commitment to nurturing his talent and maximizing his potential in the longest format of the game.
Rahul’s Test career, while studded with moments of brilliance, has been punctuated by inconsistencies and injury setbacks, sparking debates about his place in the team.
However, Sharma remains resolute in his belief that Rahul possesses the inherent skill and temperament to excel in the demanding arena of Test cricket.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Chennai, the venue for the first Test commencing on September 19th, Rohit acknowledged the inherent ebb and flow of a cricketing journey, stating that very few players enjoy a smooth and unhindered path to success.
“There are a handful of people in world cricket who had a smooth ride. Handful of cricketers had no issues all their lives; it was all good. Everyone has an up-and-down career,” Rohit told reporters. “The best thing to do is to understand yourself, understand expectations from yourself and what do you need to bring to table for the team. The kind of quality KL Rahul has, everybody knows about him. The message to him from our side was we want him to play all the game and bring the best out of him. It’s our duty as well to bring the best out of him.”
Highlighting Rahul’s undeniable quality, a sentiment echoed by many within the cricketing fraternity, Rohit added, “It’s important to give him a clear message that what we expect from you. He has done well since comeback – scored a hundred against South Africa. He scored an 80 in the first Test against England in Hyderabad and unfortunately got injured and didn’t play afterwards.”
The Indian skipper expressed his hope that Rahul would pick up where he left off in Hyderabad, explaining, “It’s important that we give him a clear message every time we get an opportunity to speak to him. That’s what we’ve done. I hope he continues from where he left in Hyderabad. He’s got the game to play spin, seamers so I don’t see any reason why he can’t flourish in Test cricket. Opportunities are there. It is important for him to understand how he wants to take his career forward.”
This series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of a challenging yet exciting home season for India, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand in October and the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash against Australia in November.
Rahul’s Test career, while studded with moments of brilliance, has been punctuated by inconsistencies and injury setbacks, sparking debates about his place in the team.
However, Sharma remains resolute in his belief that Rahul possesses the inherent skill and temperament to excel in the demanding arena of Test cricket.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Chennai, the venue for the first Test commencing on September 19th, Rohit acknowledged the inherent ebb and flow of a cricketing journey, stating that very few players enjoy a smooth and unhindered path to success.
“There are a handful of people in world cricket who had a smooth ride. Handful of cricketers had no issues all their lives; it was all good. Everyone has an up-and-down career,” Rohit told reporters. “The best thing to do is to understand yourself, understand expectations from yourself and what do you need to bring to table for the team. The kind of quality KL Rahul has, everybody knows about him. The message to him from our side was we want him to play all the game and bring the best out of him. It’s our duty as well to bring the best out of him.”
Highlighting Rahul’s undeniable quality, a sentiment echoed by many within the cricketing fraternity, Rohit added, “It’s important to give him a clear message that what we expect from you. He has done well since comeback – scored a hundred against South Africa. He scored an 80 in the first Test against England in Hyderabad and unfortunately got injured and didn’t play afterwards.”
The Indian skipper expressed his hope that Rahul would pick up where he left off in Hyderabad, explaining, “It’s important that we give him a clear message every time we get an opportunity to speak to him. That’s what we’ve done. I hope he continues from where he left in Hyderabad. He’s got the game to play spin, seamers so I don’t see any reason why he can’t flourish in Test cricket. Opportunities are there. It is important for him to understand how he wants to take his career forward.”
This series against Bangladesh marks the beginning of a challenging yet exciting home season for India, followed by a three-match Test series against New Zealand in October and the much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash against Australia in November.
