India Assistant Coach Confident About KL Rahul's Return to Form

India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar is optimistic about KL Rahul's comeback after a tough spell with the bat. Ahead of the second Test against Bangladesh, he believes Rahul's recent performance hints at a promising return to form.

India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar remains hopeful that KL Rahul will soon meet the high expectations and performances linked to him. Rahul has been in a slump, struggling to deliver consistent performances. After being sidelined due to an injury early this year, he is gradually working his way back into the team.

Rahul made his first Test appearance since the England series against Bangladesh in Chennai. However, he failed to impress in the first innings, scoring just 16 before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Prior to the second Test, Nayar disclosed that he and head coach Gautam Gambhir had discussions with Rahul, yet acknowledged that the turnaround could be gradual.

Rahul displayed promise in the second innings of the first Test, scoring 22* off 19 deliveries at a strike rate of 115.79. Nayar interpreted this as a sign of his impending comeback, stating that despite limited opportunities, Rahul's batting showed the kind of cricket they expect from him. With 50 Tests and 2863 runs under his belt, Rahul aims to regain his form and fulfill the high expectations placed on him in the upcoming match.

The second Test against Bangladesh is set to commence on Friday at Green Park. India retained the same squad from the first Test. Squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Yash Dayal.

(With inputs from agencies.)