‘It’s ten long years, he has…’ Former India coach makes huge statement about KL Rahul ahead of ENG vs IND Test series

The England vs India Test series is set to begin on Friday, 20th June, as the first game will be played at the Headingley Stadium in Leeds. Focus will be on new skipper Shubman Gill, who is set to lead the side after replacing Rohit Sharma. Former India coach Sanjay Bangar has made a huge statement on veteran batter KL Rahul, who is set to make his third tour of England. 

KL Rahul who made his Test debut in 2014 against Australia at the MCG will be one of the last few veteran stars left in the side. Rohit Sharma, R. Ashwin, and Virat Kohli have retired from the Test format while Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane aren’t in selectors' plans for a return to international cricket. Apart from Rahul only Ravindra Jadeja is the other veteran Indian player in the current setup.

In his chat with Star Sports, the former India coach said, “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 been 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.”

Sanjay Bangar urges KL Rahul to show his class in the upcoming WTC cycle

With Rohit Sharma retiring from the Test format, KL Rahul is set to open the batting with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the upcoming series. KL Rahul and Jaiswal played well in Australia and shared a century-run stand for the first wicket in the Perth Test. Sanjay Bangar has urged KL Rahul to show his class with the bat in the upcoming WTC cycle. 

“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,” said Sanjay Bangar

The former Indian coach ended by saying, "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 it's an exciting phase for KL Rahul from here on.