Rohit Sharma Encourages KL Rahul's Aggressive Playstyle, Says Former Coach
Rohit Sharma's Vision for KL Rahul
Abhishek Nayar, the former assistant coach of the Indian cricket team, disclosed that ODI captain Rohit Sharma expressed a desire for him to collaborate with KL Rahul to enhance his aggressive gameplay. Rahul has consistently impressed with his technical skills and batting capabilities.
A recent highlight of Rahul's performance was his remarkable 137 runs off 247 balls during the second innings of the opening Test against England at Headingley, showcasing his talent.
Nayar, who was part of head coach Gautam Gambhir's initial setup, recalled how Rohit had a strong belief in Rahul's potential to significantly contribute to India's success in upcoming tournaments.
During their initial discussions, Rohit emphasized the importance of Nayar working with KL to cultivate a more aggressive approach to his batting, as he envisioned Rahul playing a pivotal role in the Champions Trophy, World Cup, and other key series.
Nayar, who was later relieved of his duties following a review by the BCCI after a series loss in Australia, shared insights with ESPNcricinfo. Prior to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India faced New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home, where Rahul struggled in the first match.
In the opening Test against New Zealand, Rahul was dismissed while attempting a shot that edged towards the leg side. In the second match, he fell victim to an exceptional delivery, while Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan showcased their aggressive batting styles. Ultimately, India lost the first Test, and Rahul did not participate in the subsequent two matches, leading to a historic 3-0 series defeat.
Nayar reflected on the critical nature of the Australia series for Rahul, noting that it could have been a turning point in his career, especially after being excluded from the T20 squad. He emphasized the importance of preparation and mindset leading up to the series.
He recounted their discussions about Rahul's past successes and how they could adapt his approach. Through extensive conversations, Nayar aimed to build trust with Rahul, guiding him on practice techniques, tactical changes, and adjustments to his stance.
While Nayar kept the specifics of his coaching methods private, he shared that his approach focused on addressing skill development first, which in turn would help strengthen Rahul's mental game. He aimed to create a practice environment that reassured Rahul about their strategic plan, allowing him to concentrate on executing tactical adjustments rather than fixating on outcomes.