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'KL Rahul At No.6 Part Of A Bigger Picture…' - Vihari Gives His Take Ahead Of BGT 2024

KL Rahul was recently demoted to number six in Tests (BCCI)KL Rahul was recently demoted to number six in Tests (BCCI)

Hanuma Vihari believes the demotion of KL Rahul down the Indian batting order is part of a “bigger picture”. Rahul recently batted at number six across both innings of the Chennai Test against Bangladesh, where he managed to list scores of just 16 and 22*.

The match also marked his return to India’s Test setup after more than seven months, considering he was ruled out of India’s home series against England earlier this year after the opening Test itself owing to an injury.

Hanuma Vihari explains Rahul’s demotion

Hanuma Vihari believes that the current Indian team management is looking for experience in the middle-order, in lieu of a tough Australian tour in sight. He added that KL Rahul is an experienced player who has had success in past SENA tours

While speaking with Indiatoday.in, the Andhra cricketer said:

“I wouldn't say it would be his last Test match because they're looking at a bigger picture is what I feel playing KL Rahul at No.6. They have a plan in mind. They want experience at number six when we tour Australia, because in Australia, playing at six, you need to have good whether it's facing a second new ball or a collapse early. You need someone with experience to go out there and counter it and KL Rahul has done it in the past in SENA countries.”

KL Rahul, meanwhile, was heavily chastised after his batting failure against Bangladesh at Chennai. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri even urged the wicketkeeper-batter to employ an aggressive mindset in his batting.

Moreover, Rahul has been reportedly issued a stern warning by the team management. Apart from his latest flop show against Bangladesh, the senior Indian batter also labored his way for 232 deliveries to score just 94 runs in both innings of a Duleep Trophy match earlier this month.

As of now, the 32-year-old is bracing himself to face Bangladesh in the second Test match at Kanpur. He will also be expected to travel to Australia later this year for a blockbuster five-match series.