'He Never Let The Team Down': Sitanshu Kotak Praises Indian Middle-Order Star's Adaptability

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak is in awe of KL Rahul's adaptability and calmness at the crease. He made these remarks ahead of India's third ODI against New Zealand, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, November 11.

Interacting with the press on the eve of the match, Kotak expressed immense confidence in the wicketkeeper-batter, saying, "I cannot remember any match where he has got to bat, and he has not performed."

'Plays According To The Team's Needs'

Responding to a query, Kotak specifically highlighted Rahul's ability to seamlessly adjust his game to fit the team's evolving requirements across formats.

"KL Rahul's biggest advantage is that he can open in red-ball [cricket] and bat in the middle order in white-ball ODIs. Whenever required, sometimes he goes for [number] 5—his record is so good there—and 6th as well. So he plays according to the needs of the team," Kotak explained.

He further added: "Since I have joined, I can't remember many matches where he got a chance to bat and has not contributed. He has played some unbelievable innings."

Elaborating on Rahul's finest qualities, Kotak noted that the middle-order stalwart never appears flustered and always goes about his business with a stable demeanor.

"He never looks under pressure. If you notice, I have never seen KL under pressure. You always see him as very stable, and most of the time, or probably all the time, he has never let the team down," Kotak said. "It is brilliant to have someone like him who has that experience, that temperament, and that game as well."

"So that's a great thing to have someone like KL, yes," he concluded.