As the Indian cricket team prepares for the crucial second Test against Bangladesh at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, all eyes are on KL Rahul, who has struggled since his return from injury. With a batting average around 35 and lackluster performances raising doubts about his position, the pressure is on for the experienced player. Indian batting coach Abhishek Nayar remains optimistic, highlighting the need for support during challenging phases.

Nayar acknowledged Rahul's past contributions and emphasized that every player goes through rough patches. “We all know the kind of player Rahul is... It’s during these times that our role as a coaching team becomes vital,” he stated. Rahul's recent outings, including a sluggish 37 in the Duleep Trophy, have led to criticism regarding his decisiveness and scoring rate, particularly during high-pressure situations.

As the Kanpur Test approaches, team selection will hinge on pitch conditions. Nayar confirmed that the final XI would depend on game-day assessments, with both black and red-soil pitches prepared to accommodate different playing styles. Kuldeep Yadav is expected to feature prominently, especially on the spinners' friendly black soil pitch.

In addition to discussing Rahul, Nayar also pointed out the emergence of future leaders in the team, mentioning Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant as players maturing into potential captains. With cloudy weather and possible rain expected on the opening days, conditions could play a significant role in shaping the match's dynamics.