KL Rahul’s demotion to No. 6 has been discussed threadbare but India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said the wicketkeeper-batter has accepted the new role wholeheartedly, which has given the batting a lot more depth. Rahul has enjoyed immense success as the No. 5 batter, scoring over 1,000 runs at an average in excess of 50, but since the ODI series against Sri Lanka last year, he has been batting a position down. However, Rahul has shown signs of adapting to the demands of the rather unfamiliar slot, and it was evident when he made an unbeaten 42 against Australia in the Champions Trophy semifinal.
Alongside Hardik Pandya, the right-hander added quick 34 runs to shut the door firmly on Australia.
Kotak highlighted the flexibility of Rahul, who came almost an hour early to the scheduled net session.
“He is someone who can open, someone who can go at 4 or 5, and someone who is doing what number 6 is demanding. He adapts well and he is very happy in the role he is performing,” said Kotak.
The former Saurashtra batter said having a solid batter at No. 6 has helped the team.
“When he starts performing at that number that obviously helps him also because it is a different situation he is going in. So, that is great for the team as well.
“But whatever I have spoken to him, he is happy to do whatever the team requires, and he has been doing that,” he added.
Kotak said there was no undue pressure on India ahead of the final, as the senior players, who have gone through such situations, have been keeping the dressing room calm ahead of the big day.
“The seniors, young players… they all talk. That is something very priceless. Rohit, Virat, Hardik, those guys are talking along with Shami and Jadeja. They have 15-20 years of experience.
“They are talking to the players who have been playing for two or three years. So, some things, obviously, you learn with experience. But listening to the guys who have that experience, and they are talking about their 20 years of learning, that is a great environment,” he added.
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