IND BAN 1st ODI: Struggling with patchy form, KL Rahul has sought the help of Rahul Dravid ahead of the India vs Bangladesh series. The Indian vice-captain had a disastrous World Cup campaign, coping criticism for his lack of intent. The 29-year-old returns to the ODI set up in a different role, featuring in the middle order. Rahul has had success in that role but faces stiff competition from the likes of Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav. WATCH IND vs BAN LIVE Streaming on Sony LIVE and Follow IND vs BAN 1st ODI live updates on Insidesport.IN
IND BAN 1st ODI: Rahul Dravid pays SPECIAL ATTENTION to struggling KL Rahul in first practice session, batting spot still UNDECIDED, Check OUT
During India’s optional training session on Friday, KL Rahul sought the advice of coach Rahul Dravid. Rahul struggled at T20 WC, leading to India’s exit in the semifinal.
The Indian Vice-captain along with Rohit Sharma copped criticism for providing lackluster starts in the powerplay. However, in the ODIs Rahul will return to his middle-order role. Since 2019, the 29-year-old has often batted lower down the order with relative success.
KL Rahul stats – Middle order
| KL Rahul | Matches | Runs | HS | Average | Strike rate | 100s | 50s |
| NO.4 | 6 | 209 | 108 | 41.8 | 84.27 | 1 | 0 |
| NO.5 | 10 | 453 | 112 | 56.62 | 113.81 | 1 | 4 |
Nonetheless, Rahul returns to the ODI set-up for the first time since the series against Zimbabwe. He has not played in the middle order since the home series against West Indies earlier this year. Incidentally, it is his only game batting in the middle order since Match 2021.
IND vs BAN 1st ODI: Where does KL Rahul bat?
- Kl Rahul’s spot on the side is a huge question mark for the team management.
- With Dhawan and Rohit set at the top, Rahul has often batted in the middle order.
- However, the Indian vice-captain has only taken up the role once in the last 20 months.
- In the meantime, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav all make a compelling case.
In Rahul’s absence, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer have all made their case. Suryakumar Yadav also remains an option given his blistering form in the T20s.
Given the competition and Rahul’s role in the leadership group, Dravid spent some time with the superstar on Friday. The duo discussed techniques and how Rahul could adapt to the different roles. For perspective, Dravid himself featured in a variety of roles throughout his decade-long ODI career.
IND BAN 1st ODI: Rahul Dravid pays SPECIAL ATTENTION to struggling KL Rahul in first practice session, batting spot still UNDECIDED, Check OUT
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