ENG vs IND 2025: 'He will be more matured in England' - Coach Samuel Jayaraj backs KL Rahul ahead of tour
"He follows instructions really well. If you noticed in the Champions Trophy, his role was very specific-and he executed it perfectly," said Jayaraj.
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KL Rahul's childhood coach, Samuel Jayaraj, stated that the wicketkeeper-batter has been handling challenges from a young age. Rahul showcased his composure by scoring a century on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions. His 116-run knock as an opener could strengthen his chances for selection in the upcoming England tour, which begins on June 20.
Jayaraj noted that Rahul has always adapted well to different batting positions and consistently followed instructions. He acknowledged Rahul’s maturity and pointed out that the cricketer remained composed despite not being picked for the T20 World Cup while highlighting how much he has evolved as a player.
"If you ask me, as a coach, this isn't surprising. He was always ready. He was also a wicketkeeper. He would smartly rotate strike, taking singles on the fourth, fifth, or sixth ball, then face the next over. He follows instructions really well. If you noticed in the Champions Trophy, his role was very specific-and he executed it perfectly," said Jayaraj as quoted by NDTV Sports.
"In fact, despite having a very good ODI World Cup, he wasn't picked for the T20 World Cup. He didn't crib or get frustrated. Because he has seen these things as a kid. That's why he's so strong today both mentally and technically. And that's his biggest strength. He's matured a lot. He's been playing cricket at a high level for 10 years now. That experience shows. If you watch him now, he's a completely different player - much calmer, composed, and in control. For me, that calmness is what stands out the most," he added.
He stated that he would advise Rahul to simply enjoy the game and be happy while playing. Jayaraj expressed confidence that the world will witness a new version of the Bengaluru-born cricketer during the England tour, emphasising his improved mental strength and refined technique in red-ball cricket.
"I always tell him just one thing - enjoy and become. That's always been my message, my mantra, even my password, you could say. You have to enjoy what you do. You have to be happy. If you're not happy, your body simply won't respond the way you want it to," Jayaraj said.
"For me, form is temporary - but the skill and technique you develop stay with you forever. Honestly, when he was playing state and zonal matches in Mangalore and Bangalore, we coaches always had the red ball in mind. We didn't really think much about white-ball cricket back then. So the foundation he built - the technique and skill - was rooted in red-ball cricket. In England, a more and more matured KL Rahul will be seen," Jayaraj concluded.
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