Rohit Sharma delivers massive statement on KL Rahul's career ahead of Bangladesh Test series

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged KL Rahul’s journey in international cricket, saying every cricketer faces ups and downs in their careers ahead of the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh.

He believes that the key to success lies in understanding personal expectations and focusing on what the team needs, and that's what Rahul is doing now. The Indian captain reaffirmed his confidence in Rahul's talent, saying the right-hander has already proven his abilities, including a strong century against South Africa.

However, Rohit stressed the importance of Rahul taking control of his career and maximizing the opportunities ahead. Notably, Rahul suffered a strain in his right quadriceps again during the first Test against England in Hyderabad and was ruled out of the home series earlier this year.

Rohit Sharma confident KL Rahul will shine in Bangladesh Test Series

He had earlier picked up quadriceps strain during India’s 2015 tour of Sri Lanka. Speaking about the history of injuries Rahul suffered over the years, the Karnataka star battled with the hamstring injury, shoulder injury, wrist injury, back injury, thigh strain, acute appendicitis, groin injury, and some niggles, which forced him to miss a lot of cricket.

Rohit Sharma said at the press conference: “There are a handful of people in world cricket who had a smooth ride. A handful of cricketers had no issues all their life, it was all good. Everyone has an up-and-down career. The best thing to do is to understand yourself, expectations from yourself and what’s needed for the team. The kind of quality KL Rahul has, everybody knows.”

However, Rahul is back in action and had some impressive outings in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 leading up to the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. Ahead of the home Tests, Rohit is confident to bring the best out of the right-hander and backed him to shine again.

I hope Rahul continues from where he left off in Hyderabad: Rohit Sharma

The Indian captain has made it clear that injury-prone Rahul will be given the opportunities in the upcoming matches, but said it is up to the right-hander how he utilizes his chances and takes his career forward. However, Rohit has full confidence in Rahul that he will have a great Test career.

Rohit further noted, “Our message to him was that we wanted him to play all the games and bring the best out of him. It’s important to give him a clear message about what he needs from him. He has done well since his comeback – scored a hundred against South Africa.”

The Indian captain signed off by saying, ”Unfortunately got injured after Hyderabad, and didn’t play afterward. I hope he continues from where he left off in Hyderabad. I don’t see any reason why he can’t flourish in Test cricket. Opportunities are there. Important for him to understand how he wants to take his career forward.”

Here's India’s squad for the first Test against Bangladesh:

Rohit Sharma (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Sarfaraz Khan, R Ashwin, R Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Yash Dayal.