IND vs AUS: KL Rahul Can Take The Pressure Off From Rohit Sharma And Virat Kohli: Shane Watson

Ex- Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has extended his backing to Indian top-order batsman KL Rahul, stating that he has gotten better with his approach to the game. Watson opined that Rahul is at his best when he is taking on the bowling and confidently playing all the shots in his repertoire.

The Aussie added that when Rahul plays at a strike rate of 150-160, it will not only help him but also the team as it will ease off the pressure from the likes of Virat Kohli and skipper Rohit Sharma.

Shane Watson defends KL Rahul’s slow batting approach

KL Rahul, of late, has been at the receiving end of debate where pundits and fans have criticised the stylish batter saying that by playing long but slow, he is not helping the team’s cause when the entire unit has decided to go on with an aggressive approach.

Speaking on ICC’s YouTube channel, Watson said, “I’ve seen the best version of him when he’s really taking on the game. We’ve seen it a number of times in the IPL, we’ve seen it with India as well. When he finds his feet, knows what the conditions are and then he really takes down the bowlers, because, as I mentioned before, he’s got an array of shots against the best bowlers in the world that no one can stop.”

Shane Watson is confident KL Rahul can bat at a strike-rate of 150-160 against the best bowling attacks

Watson added, “When he becomes more of an accumulator, what he was for Punjab Kings and also for Lucknow Super Giants, where he was slightly lower risk but could play the big shots, I believe he’s better than that.

He can score 150-160 strike rate against the best bowlers in the world and that would take a bit of pressure of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli as well,” the Aussie concluded.

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