Kotak: K.L. Rahul’s versatility and temperament make him invaluable
On the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton, India's assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak said K.L. Rahul's versatility and temperament make him invaluable to the side. Kotak singled out Rahul’s capacity to perform in different roles and under pressure as key reasons for his importance to the team.
Kotak noted that Rahul has successfully filled varied roles for India, functioning as a Test opener, batting in the middle order in ODIs and adapting his game late in innings when required. He added that Rahul has suffered very few failures in 50-over cricket, a consistency the coach has observed since joining the setup. The assistant coach pointed to Rahul’s unbeaten 26 on a difficult Wellington surface in the second ODI as a clear example of that adaptability.
On Rahul's positional flexibility, Kotak said: "I think KL Rahul's biggest advantage is that he can open in red-ball cricket and bat in the middle order in white-ball cricket. Whenever required, he can also go with five overs left. His record there is also very good. So, he plays according to the team's needs." Kotak delivered this assessment ahead of the Hamilton fixture.
Kotak emphasised Rahul's reliability when given batting opportunities and his tendency to contribute whenever called upon. "Since I have joined, I cannot remember many matches in which he has got an opportunity to bat but has not contributed. He has played some unbelievable innings, and he never looks under pressure," Kotak said, citing a run of useful performances.
Addressing Rahul's temperament, Kotak added a comment on the batter's calm presence at the crease. "If you notice, I have never seen KL under pressure. You always see him looking very stable. Most of the time, probably all the time, he has never let the team down," he said, pointing to composure as one of Rahul's principal strengths.
Kotak also praised Rahul's shot selection and ability to change gears as match situations demand, citing rotation of strike, boundary-hitting and the capacity to clear the ropes late in innings. "It is brilliant to have someone like him who has experience, temperament and the ability to rotate the strike, hit boundaries and, when required, easily hit a few sixes. That's a great thing to have," Kotak said.
Kotak's remarks were made on the eve of the third ODI at Seddon Park in Hamilton, the next confirmed match between India and New Zealand in the series.
