WV Raman urges KL Rahul to step up consistently on England tour

Former Indian women team’s coach WV Raman wants KL Rahul to step up and perform consistently in the five-match Test series against England. Rahul had started strongly against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series but veered off the track in the second half of the series.

Raman noted that Rahul had also done the same on the previous tour of England. Rahul scored 276 runs in five Test matches against Australia at an average of 30.67.

Earlier, Rahul had amassed 315 runs in four Test matches on the 2021 tour of England at an average of 39.38.

Raman told TOI, “This has also happened on his last tour of England. He started off well and then he tapered down and this is something that has happened. We all know that. But again, still the fact of the matter is that he is experienced, he has got runs, he is capable of runs, he gives you the impression that he can get runs. So, he also is aware of the fact that he needs to step up as far as consistency is concerned.”

Rahul has scored 3257 runs in 58 Test matches at an average of 33.58 and thus he has struggled to find consistency in the red-ball format.

Raman added, “Now, the matter is very straightforward. You play him in the first three test matches, you see how he goes about it. Obviously, if he does well, you will continue him and then he has got to be told, yes, we are very well aware of the fact that you are talented, you have performed in all the three formats.

“Now, the time has come for you to up it in terms of consistency and a message has to be conveyed to him. And that’s the way to go about it. Failing which, you are anyway in a transition period. You got to try and look for other options.”

Rahul has an average of 34.11 in 18 Test innings while playing in English conditions and he would want to be more consistent in the upcoming series. There is no doubt that Rahul is going to hold the key as a senior batter after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s retirement.

India would take on England in the first Test at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.