Rohit Sharma backs KL Rahul to flourish in Tests: ‘We know his calibre’

Team India captain Rohit Sharma has made it clear that fit again KL Rahul will be an automatic choice ahead of Sarfaraz Khan in the upcoming Two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

“With KL we know what his calibre is,” Rohit told reporters in Chennai.

“There are only a handful of cricketers who have had a smooth ride since cricket came into existence. Everyone has had an up and down.

“The message to Kl is clear: We want him to play all matches and that’s what we have done. He has played a great knock in South Africa and got 80 against England. It is there for us to see that the guy has got talent.

Rohit Sharma has made it clear that KL Rahul (left) will start ahead of Sarfaraz Khan (right) against Bangladesh. (FILE Photo)

“It is important we give him the right messages and hopefully he continues to play well. He has the game against spinners and pacers as well which can help him flourish in Tests.”

On middle-order

Rohit has pointed out that the return of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant has made it easy for him as a captain to pick the best XI. Against England, India had a very inexperienced middle-order.

“Something’s are straightforward. When we select a XI we think about what they have done in the last 10-15 years. Something’s are just in front of you and you just have to pick and put that in the block.

India’s Virat Kohli celebrates after he scored a century against West Indies on day two of their second cricket Test match at Queen’s Park in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. (AP | PTI)

“Last time lot of players were injured, but the majority of the squad is here. It makes your job easier to pick the best XI that can win the Test match.”

On the series

Citing the example of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, the Indian captain said they are not taking this series lightly.

“It is not a dress rehearsal for Australia,” he said.

Rohit Sharma’s India lead the WTC points table standings ahead of the Pat Cummins-led Australia side. (PTI)

“Every game we play is important because of what is at stake. The WTC table is still wide open and we have to win every game. And this Test is no exception. We have to win this Test and the series,” he said.

India are playing the red-ball format after a gap of six months, since their convincing 4-1 series win against England, earlier this year.

Starting from Thursday, India will be playing 10 Test matches in the next three and half months.

On Jaiswal and Jurel

Rohit heaped praise on the youngsters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel.

“We don’t need to speak too much with them. Jaiswal, and Jurel are new but are very talented. They have everything that is required to play in all three formats,” he said.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel in the Test series against England. (PHOTOS: AP, PTI)

“We have to nurture and groom them. When you play this sport it depends on what they think as well. They are hungry and want to do well.

“Jaiswal especially had a good series and Jurel showed what he can do under pressure. You need all kinds of players, who are fearless and responsible as well. We have a mix of everything.”

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