‘Experience worth its weight in gold’ – Former India batter Sanjay Bangar praises KL Rahul’s Test mastery

Former Indian batter Sanjay Bangar lauded KL Rahul’s exceptional century against South Africa, emphasising the value of his experience as an opener in Test cricket. India concluded their first innings with 245/10 in the Boxing Day Test at Centurion, where Rahul’s standout performance showcased his mastery on a challenging pitch.

Bangar, speaking to Star Sports, emphasised Rahul’s proficiency against the new ball, stemming from his extensive Test career as an opener. With most of the innings at the top, Bangar highlighted the significance of Rahul’s experience.

He stated, “It’s the overall gambit of skills that he possesses. He’s very good against the new ball, having done that for the majority of his Test career. 25 Test innings as an opener are going to be worth their weight in gold.”

Despite batting outside the top three positions for only the second time in his nine-year Test career, Rahul’s adaptability and understanding of the game were evident. Bangar noted the benefits of Rahul’s positional flexibility. He said, “Just the fact that he’s been shuffled from number 1 to number 6. It helps your understanding of the game as well. When you bat at multiple positions, it makes you a well-rounded player.”

KL Rahul becomes the first batter to score two tonnes in Centurion

Highlighting Rahul’s impeccable judgement outside the off-stump, Bangar commended him for constructing a high-quality innings. He noted the batsman’s ability to navigate various situations, showcasing his evolution into a versatile player. “His judgement outside the off stump was impeccable, which helped him construct the innings of this quality,” added Bangar.

Rahul’s century under challenging circumstances not only contributed significantly to India’s total. It also underscored his adaptability and maturity as a cricketer. Bangar’s insights shed light on the invaluable experience and skills that Rahul brings to the team, reinforcing his status as a key player in the Indian Test setup.