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Ravi Shastri Gives KL Rahul A Stern Warning: 'The Day He Realises That...'

KL Rahul against Bangladesh [X.com]KL Rahul against Bangladesh [X.com]

Former India coach Ravi Shastri recently made it clear that KL Rahul needs to change his batting approach. While commentating on the Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai, Shastri stressed that it's time for Rahul to step up and get back to his best.

The star batter’s journey in Test has often been marked by flashes of brilliance intertwined with bouts of inconsistency. The opening Test against Bangladesh encapsulated this struggle perfectly. Returning to the team after an injury layoff during the home series against England, Rahul was given another chance to prove his worth. 

Yet, his performance—scoring only 16 runs in the first innings and remaining unbeaten on 22 when India declared their innings—raised familiar concerns about his ability to capitalize on opportunities. Ravi Shastri, who has witnessed Rahul’s potential up close, urged him adopt a more aggressive mindset. 

"KL Rahul needs to realise that he has got much of talent. The day he realises that and comes out with a mindset and thinking in that fashion. He will be a different player," Shastri said.

Sanjay Manjrekar Weighs In On KL Rahul's Struggles

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar also commented on Rahul's struggles, suggesting that the crux of the issue lies in temperament. Manjrekar also pointed out that despite Rahul’s impressive technique and the ability to score centuries, his average of just 34 in 50 Test matches raises eyebrows.

“This has been the KL Rahul story. It's amazing that he plays a brilliant innings at the Test level and the next two three innings it seems like he has got a pair in the last Test. Even when you saw him bat today, it almost seemed like an innings without purpose. That can happen, it happened to me in the second half of my career where everything was internal," Manjrekar noted during an analysis on ESPNCricinfo.

Impact Of Injuries On KL Rahul's Career

Injuries have significantly disrupted KL Rahul’s career, preventing him from establishing a consistent place in the Indian Test lineup. After suffering a thigh injury that ruled him out of IPL 2023, he made a commendable return during the Asia Cup. Later that year, he scored a stunning century against South Africa. However, another quad injury sidelined him during the Vizag Test against England, opening the door for other players, like Sarfaraz Khan, to shine.

As Rahul seeks to regain his footing, the shadow of his last Test century—scored during India’s tour of South Africa earlier this year—lingers over him.