Ravi Shastri, ex India coach believes that KL Rahul must fully harness his potential to rediscover his form. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter is currently playing in the first Test against Bangladesh, where he contributed scores of 16 and 22* at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Rahul is presently experiencing a dip in his career, with his last Test century coming during India's tour of South Africa. KL Rahul's time at the crease was brief on the third day, where he managed to score 22 runs off 19 deliveries. India declared their second innings at 287/4 during the second session just before tea. Shastri, who is currently occupied with commentary duties, praised the batter live on air.
Ravi Shastri told the Lucknow Super Giants' man must understand the vast amount of talent he possesses. Once he grasps that and approaches the game with that mindset and belief, he will transform into a completely different player.
"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 during on-air commentary of the match.
The 32-year old with his unbeaten score of 22 runs, achieved the milestone of 8,000 international runs for India. Notably, he accomplished this feat in his 200th match representing the country.
Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill's centuries powered India to post 287 runs on the board before declaring the innings. The Rohit Sharma-led team secured a massive lead of 514 runs. Gill (119* off 176 balls, 10 fours, 4 sixes) and Pant (109 off 128 balls, 148 minutes, 13 fours, 4 sixes) steered the home side with a 167-run partnership from 217 deliveries for the fourth wicket.
Najmul Hossain Shanto (51) and Shakib Al Hasan (5) were at the crease for Bangladesh while writing this copy. The Bangla Tigers are now at 158/4. The away side still need over 350 runs to win this match.
Some fans were calling for Sarfaraz Khan to take KL Rahul's place in the squad. Sarfaraz had stepped in for KL Rahul during the Test series against England earlier this year. Rahul was struggling with an injury, and Sarfaraz made a strong impression in his first three Test matches. However, in the second innings of the first Test against Bangladesh, he appeared more assured, striking four boundaries.