Australia vs India 2018: KL Rahul Should Be Given his Chances - Anil Kumble

It has been a roller-coaster ride for young KL Rahul, so far in his career. He has been hailed as the brilliant talent but unfortunately, failing to display it on the field. The stylish opener Rahul isn’t getting the runs under his belt, thus, being on the wrong side of things. Meanwhile, the ex-head coach of Team India, Anil Kumble believes in Rahul’s talent.

Kumble feels that there is a problem in mindset for the Indian opener. The veteran spinner stated that Rahul should be given the clarity of his role and shall be trusted by the management. He wants the staff to back the Karnataka youngster saying that they believe in him.

”KL Rahul hasn’t had a consistent run in the international cricket. [Rahul] He hasn’t been someone who has put in a score and then followed it up with another good score and that’s something I am sure must be playing in his mind. Rahul looks a bit confused at the moment. Should he go and play his natural game or should he take some time, I think that’s where the mindset is,” Kumble said in an exclusive interview with Gaurav Kalra for CNN-News 18.

”Yes, he has already played 30-plus Test matches and isn’t a youngster anymore, but at the same time it’s important that someone like Rahul needs that assurance, saying that look, you are going to play the next six innings and that gives you a mindset that the team management is backing me and I can go out there and play the way I want to. I think that’s something that’s needed. I am not sure if that conversation has happened,” he added.

KL Rahul risked his injury to help India – Anil Kumble

Kumble reveals that Rahul played the series against Australia at home with an injury. He stated that Rahul knew that he was undergoing shoulder and still he risked himself, as he was in the form for India.

”When Australia toured India, he was instrumental in India winning the series. He had a brilliant series although he was injured. He continued to play and contributed to the win. Not many players do that. You know you have to get the surgery done after the series ends,” Kumble said.

”Not many players put their hands up and say I will play for the team irrespective of whether it deteriorates; what if I miss six or eight months? It becomes very difficult to make a comeback to the team but he has taken that risk in the past. I think he needs to be given chances. I know he has had his share of failures but it’s not been consistent in terms of confidence you give to someone like KL Rahul,” he added.

Well, Rahul is an exceptional talent according to Kumble. It would be interesting to see how the youngster would perform in the upcoming three games against Australia in Australia.