Adjustment in front-foot technique fueling KL Rahul's success: Ravi Shastri
What's the story
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has credited a minor adjustment in KL Rahul's front-foot technique for his recent batting success against England. The opening batsman has been instrumental in India's performance in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series, scoring 375 runs in three matches at an average of 62.50. His impressive run includes two centuries and a half-century, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer of the series so far.
Technique tweak
Shastri on Rahul's new technique
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said, "What I am seeing is a slight adjustment he's made with his front foot, in his stance and while defending." He explained that this change has allowed Rahul's bat to come through cleanly. "Even when he's hitting it toward mid-wicket, it's the full face of the blade," Shastri added.
Reduced risks
How the adjustment has made Rahul technically sound
Shastri also noted that this new technique has minimized the chances of Rahul getting bowled or leg before wicket (LBW), which was a common occurrence in the past. He said, "He doesn't need to close the face of the blade, and fall over and get into trouble like he used to in the past." This adjustment has made Rahul technically sounder than ever before.
Future prospects
Rahul is at his prime, says Shastri
Shastri expressed confidence that Rahul will continue to perform at his best for the next three to four years. "He's at his prime. He has got to make these next three, four years count," he said. The former coach also predicted that Rahul would score plenty of runs given his extensive cricketing schedule in India and abroad.
Series
Rahul has been consistent in the ongoing series
In the first Test at Headingley, Rahul scored 42 and 137 as England claimed a record 5-wicket win on Day 5. This was followed by 2 and 55 in the 2nd Test at Edgbaston. India won the Test by 336 runs. In a nail-biting third Test at Lord's, England won by 22 runs. Rahul managed 100 and 39 runs respectively.