India vs Australia | KL Rahul finds new ways to get out, rues Sanjay Bangar

Ahead of the much-anticipated Test series scheduled for December the Indian team is currently playing a practice match against Cricket Australia XI. India did well to take a first innings lead of 358 runs with Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Hanuma Vihari, all getting fifties except for opener Rahul who was dismissed with three runs. 

Rahul has come under criticism of late for his cheap dismissals and despite defending the batsman, Indian team batting coach Sanjay Bangar admitted that the batsman has been innovating new ways to get out.

“He has been looking in good shape, including today. It is just that he is finding new ways to get out. Even today, the ball was quite afar when he played it away from his body and lost his wicket. But what we are reading he is playing the ball well and he is one hit away [from form],” Bangar said after the day’s play.

The batting coach also asserted that Rahul was no more a youngster and needed to shoulder more responsibility. Rahul has already represented India in 29 Test matches so far but has not been able to perform according to the expectations.

“We know his ability and if he converts that to performances then it is important for the team. He is not a young player any more and he is on his second tour here. He has played 30 Tests and he has a responsibility. We expect him to play with that responsibility and play his role for the team,” the coach said.

With the first Test starting on December 6, Bangar also stated that there are still spots in the Indian batting line-up that are up for grabs and he would wait for India’s innings to get every player to get a chance to bat.

“I would say there are still some spots to be taken. We will keep a close eye on how the second innings goes and it gives some other batsmen a hit especially Murali Vijay and middle order batsmen, and see how they go," he said.

The Indian batting order got the much-needed practice with players starting from Prithvi Shaw to Rishabh Pant, all getting time on the pitch. The coach also seemed pretty happy about the way the Indian innings panned out.

“From that perspective, Virat switching formats from T20 to four-day game, Pujara coming straight back in the groove, Ajinkya spending a lot of time. Hanuma Vihari played with a lot of confidence and clarity. Rohit came back and got a knock, spending some time in the middle. All in all pretty satisfying effort from our side,” said Bangar.