NZ vs IND ODI: Sitanshu Kotak praiss KL Rahul’s versatility and consistency

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India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised KL Rahul’s versatility, composure, and adaptability across various batting positions, calling the wicketkeeper-batter a vital asset for the national team ahead of the third ODI against New Zealand in Hamilton.

Rahul played an essential unbeaten knock of 26 off 38 deliveries, featuring two boundaries and two sixes, in the second ODI at Wellington. Amid falling wickets on a demanding pitch, KL Rahul anchored one end to steer India to 113/7 in 26 overs before rain halted play, with India eventually securing a four-run victory via the DLS method.

Kotak emphasised Rahul’s ability to adjust his batting slot based on team needs and deliver steady contributions.

“I think KL Rahul’s biggest advantage is that he opens in red-ball cricket, bats in the middle order in white-ball ODIs, and whenever required, he bats at number five where his record is great, or at number six where it is equally good. He is someone who plays according to the needs of the team. Since I joined, I can hardly remember many matches where he got a chance to bat and didn’t contribute,” Kotak said during the pre-match press conference.

“He has played some unbelievable innings. I’ve never seen KL look under pressure. He always appears very composed and stable, and almost every time, he hasn’t let the team down. It’s brilliant to have someone like him who possesses that experience, temperament, and skill set, someone who can rotate strike, hit boundaries, and, when needed, clear the ropes easily. It’s a great asset to have someone like KL,” he added.

Kotak on left-hand-right-hand combination

Kotak also discussed the reasoning behind Rahul batting at five, especially when Axar Patel has been elevated up the order. He noted that maintaining a left-right combination and utilising Rahul’s finishing ability were key reasons, adding that Axar is fully capable at number five.

“Yes, one reason is definitely the left-right combination. Another factor is recognising KL’s strength in finishing games. Furthermore, Axar has previously batted at number five in ODIs quite often; he is a capable batter. The reality is, if a tactic doesn’t yield runs, people question why the player was sent up; if it works, people call it a brilliant move. That’s just how it goes,” Kotak said.

(With inputs from ANI)

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