Chennai Test, IND vs BAN: KL Rahul gets Rohit backing

Rohit Sharma threw his weight behind batsman KL Rahul, who made 86 and 22 in the first match against England in January but missed the rest of the series with injury.  India Test captain Rohit Sharma said his side is focused on winning the two-match Test series against Bangladesh rather than thinking too much about the World Test Championship final, scheduled to be played at Lord’s in June, 2025.

The upcoming series between India and Bangladesh is part of the WTC. The hosts sit at the numero uno spot with 68.52 per cent after winning six of the nine games so far. They finished as runners-up in the last two WTC editions after losing to New Zealand and Australia in the finals, respectively. The home series win will further consolidate their top spot ahead of playing eight Tests combined against New Zealand (home) and Australia (away).

“Everybody knows the quality Rahul has. We want him to play all the games to bring the best out of him,” he added.

“Unfortunately, he got injured after Hyderabad and didn’t play afterwards. I hope he continues from where he left off. I don’t see any reason why he can’t flourish in Test cricket.”

“Rahul has got the game to do well in Test cricket, I see no reason he can’t be successful in this format.

“Since the day I became captain, I have always advised him to unleash his best. We will play you every game. With the talent & ability he has, he plays spin well, pace well. Now it is upto him how he can mark his career from here. We want to bring the best out of him”, Rohit added.

With Rohit and Virat Kohli pushing 40, India need to prep the next generation to ease their way into the team when the two stalwarts hang up their boots.

“We have to groom Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhriuv Jurel.

“Yashasvi has delivered in tough situations and played really well. Sarfaraz played with fearless and same with Jurel”.