IND vs SA LIVE: Vikram Rathour backs KL Rahul, says 'We will back KL Rahul to the hilt', confident he will score BIG vs South Africa: Check out

IND vs SA LIVE: Batting coach Vikram Rathour throws weight behind out of form KL Rahul, says ‘We will back KL Rahul, not looking at anyone else’ – Check out

Samrat Chakraborty

Sunday, Oct 30, 2022 1:31 pm

IND vs SA LIVE: Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour has backed out-of-form KL Rahul ahead of their Super 12 Group 2 mega clash of the T20 World Cup 2022 against South Africa at the Perth Stadium on Sunday. The Indian opener was sent packing for single-digit scores in the last two Super 12 matches […]

IND vs SA LIVE: Team India batting coach Vikram Rathour has backed out-of-form KL Rahul ahead of their Super 12 Group 2 mega clash of the T20 World Cup 2022 against South Africa at the Perth Stadium on Sunday. The Indian opener was sent packing for single-digit scores in the last two Super 12 matches but Rathour asserted that his place is not in question ahead for the mega clash. Follow India vs South Africa and Indian Team Perth Practice LIVE updates on Insidesport.IN

“Two games are a very small sample size. KL Rahul batted really well in the practice games and we’re not looking to give anyone else a go instead of him, “Rathour said in the pre-match press conference.

Also Read: T20 World Cup: Pakistan will have to really stare at reality now, says Sanjay Bangar

IND vs SA LIVE: Batting coach Vikram Rathour throws weight behind out of form KL Rahul, says ‘We will back KL Rahul, not looking at anyone else’ – Check out

While KL Rahul impressed in the practice games, he has struggled to replicate the same in the T20 World Cup with back-to-back low scores against Pakistan and Netherlands.

As per information with Insidesport, KL Rahul will spend some time with Paddy Upton for the next two days. Rahul Dravid & Rohit Sharma feel since his comeback, no technical block but he is facing a mental block. Over the next two days, two 1 hour sessions are planned for KL RAHUL with Paddy UPTON.

IND vs SA LIVE: Why KL Rahul is seeking Paddy Upton’s help?

KL Rahul performed well in the warm-up games but has struggled to replicate the same in the T20 World Cup.
The Indian vice-captain was dismissed for 4 against Pakistan at the MCG.
KL Rahul had a special net session at the SCG but against the Netherlands, could only manage 9 runs.
Now, the Indian opener will consult mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton.
Upton will spend two sessions with KL to get the best out of him.
Upton recently held similar sessions with Kohli during the Asia Cup, and the former captain has returned to form in style.
Over the next two days, Upton has planned two 1 hour sessions for KL RAHUL in Perth.

IND vs SA LIVE: Batting coach Vikram Rathour throws weight behind out of form KL Rahul, says ‘We will back KL Rahul, not looking at anyone else’ – Check out

What does this mean for Rishabh Pant? – Premier India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant’s place in the playing XI for India depends on how Rahul performs in the match against South Africa.

Pant, whose poor shot selection in the T20s has been under scrutiny and cost him a place in the playing XI, might get a nod ahead of Rahul for the final-two Super 12 Group 2 matches if the opener continues to struggle for the third consecutive time in the T20 World Cup 2022.

“Unfortunately we can have only eleven players. Rishabh Pant is an extremely good batter. We all know what he is capable of. The conversation with him is to just be ready for any chance that comes his way. Pant is continuously preparing and keeping himself fit,” he said.

Pant, however, looked out-of-touch in the warm-up matches against Western Australia XI as he could manage to score only 9 runs each in both games. The Indian team management however still back him to come good, should the opportunity arise during the tournament.