ENG vs IND 2025: 'He was not delivering' - Ravi Shastri reveals KL Rahul's technical tweak behind Test form

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has backed opener KL Rahul to maintain his impressive form in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India. Rahul has emerged as one of the key contributors with the bat for India in the series so far.

The stylish right-hander has scored 375 runs in three Tests, including two centuries and a half-century, making him the fourth-highest run-scorer in the series at this stage. Shastri highlighted a technical adjustment Rahul has made, which he believes has played a significant role in the opener's resurgence.

“I think there was not one person in the world who denied his potential and said that he [Rahul] was not talented. What annoyed people was, with that kind of talent, he was not delivering. And in this series, you're seeing the best of Rahul,” Shastri said in The ICC Review.

“What I am seeing is a slight adjustment he's made with his front foot, in his stance and while defending. It just opened up a bit, which allows his back to come through cleanly. Even when he's hitting it towards mid-wicket, it's the full face of the blade,” he added.

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Shastri observed that Rahul should avoid closing the face of the bat, a technical flaw that has occasionally led to his dismissals. He emphasised that if Rahul is to lose his wicket, it should not be due to such avoidable errors. According to the former coach, the conditions have not offered significant movement, and Rahul possesses the technique to handle whatever seam or swing is on offer.

Rahul’s recent performances in England have only strengthened his reputation and he now holds the joint second-most Test centuries for India in England (four), behind only Rahul Dravid (six).

“He doesn't need to close the face of the blade, and fall over and get into trouble like he used to in the past. He would get out leg before, would get out bowled, he would get across too far and then be out leg before as well. He is sound technically, he has been as good as anyone. Especially, it's not moved a lot in the series, but when it's moved, he has had the game to look after that movement,” said Shastri.

Shastri believes that the 33-year-old is entering the peak of his red-ball career, potentially marking the start of a prolonged period of consistency with the bat. With 3632 Test runs to his name at an average of 35.33, including 10 centuries and 18 half-centuries, Rahul has established himself as a vital figure in India’s batting lineup. 

“He's at his prime. He has got to make these next three, four years count. And I see him getting a lot of hundreds because he's playing a lot of cricket in India as well. So whatever that average is, he should be close to 50,” Shastri concluded.