KL Rahul is one of the contenders for the India's opening slot in the Test series against Australia. However, he has not impressed India's assistant coach Sanjay Bangar with some of his dismissals.
KL Rahul was the only recognised batsman to miss out on scorin some runs in India first innings against Cricket Australia XI in the four-day tour game. While five different Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli and Prithvi Shaw, scored half-centuries, Rahul was out for just three going for drive on the up and was caught at mid-off.
“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),” Bangar said after the day’s play on Thursday.
Bangar said Rahul was no longer an inexperienced player and he ought to shoulder more responsibility.
"We know his ability and if he converts that to performances then it is important for the team. He is not a young player anymore, and he is on his second tour here. 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,” the coach said.
Bangar made it clear that the opening combination as well as the number six slot for the first Test in Adelaide beginning December 6 are still up for grabs.
While Prithvi Shaw has cemented his place further as an opener KL Rahul, Murali Vijay and even Rohit Sharma will be up for the second opener's place. KL and Rohit could also be slotted at number six Hanuma Vihari being the other contender for the spot.
