Sanjay Bangar: KL Rahul’s form is crucial

KL Rahul during his 57 against Australia in the warm-up clash on Monday. Pic/Getty Images

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar reckons that opener KL Rahul's good form and fluency with the bat will be very beneficial for the side ahead of their T20 World Cup campaign opener against Pakistan on October 23 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

String of half-centuries

After making 62 against Afghanistan in India's last Super Four match of the Asia Cup, Rahul got his groove back as he smashed three fifties in five bilateral matches against Australia and South Africa at home. He has continued his good showing since India landed in Australia in early October, making a patient 74 in the second practice match against Western Australia XI in Perth and followed it up with 57 in a warm-up match against Australia at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Sanjay Bangar

"The performances from Rahul have been brilliant recently. He has scored back-to-back fifties on this tour and the best part of it all is the fluency we have got to see from him. In the way he has timed the ball as well, when he is hitting the ball, it is clearing the boundary with ease.

"And the team need someone who can hit the ball like he does, because that's the way the Indian team have planned to maximise the first six overs. So, for him to perform like this, with this kind of form, is very beneficial for Team India," said Bangar on Follow The Blues show on Star Sports.

Surya also key

Apart from Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav will be another key player in India's batting order, having been in the form of his life in the shortest format of the game this year and leaving fans astonished with his belligerent strokeplay.

"Suryakumar is on his first tour to Australia and the key factor for any player touring Australia for the first time is to get used to the pace and bounce of the wickets. So, I don't think he will face any difficulties in facing the spin bowlers or the pace bowlers.

"And this is a good sign because he has been pivotal to the Indian batting line up, especially in the middle order. So, for Suryakumar to make runs, it's important for him to carry this confidence well into the World Cup," added Bangar.

India, the inaugural Men's T20 World Cup winners in 2007, are in Group 2 of Super 12 stage at the T20 World Cup, alongside Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa and two qualifying sides from the first round of the tournament.

After facing off against Pakistan at the MCG on October 23, India will play their Super 12 matches on October 27 (against first qualifier side from Round One at SCG), October 30 (against South Africa at Perth Stadium), November 2 (against Bangladesh at Adelaide Oval) and November 6 (against second qualifier side from Round One at MCG).

Also Read: KL Rahul: I am working towards being a better opener

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