KL Rahul wants India to play aggressive brand of cricket to qualify for World Test Championship final

Ahead of the first Test against Bangladesh at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, India’s stand-in skipper KL Rahul issued a massive statement concerning India’s future in World Test Championship (WTC). The 30-year-old revealed that he wants the side to play an aggressive brand of cricket to ensure the team stays in the race to qualify for the all-important finale.

After losing to New Zealand in the finals of the last edition, India made some significant changes to their squad and currently stand fourth in the table. Now, with just six matches left (two against Bangladesh, and four against Australia), India’s goal is to win the majority of them and for that, Rahul wants to change their approach in the longest format.

“There is a Test Championship (final) qualification so we will also have to be aggressive. We know where we stand and what we need to do to qualify for the final. Each day, each session we will assess what is required for the team in that particular moment and give our best,” Rahul said ahead of India’s first Test against Bangladesh.

He has temperament for the longest format: KL Rahul lauds Shubman Gill in the press conference

In the absence of Rohit Sharma, youngster Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to open in the first Test at Chattogram. Looking at his transformation over the years, KL Rahul lauded the cricketer and appreciated his temperament in the longest format of the game.

“Shubman has been a brilliant player and it is wonderful to see his transformation (in ODIs). In Tests, whenever he has got the opportunity he has done the job for the team. He has temperament for the longest format. In every format, he is exciting,” Rahul said. “What we can do is back exciting and talented players,” the 30-year-old added.

In the meantime, opener Abhimanyu Easwaran, who has been called up after two sensational centuries against Bangladesh A in the recently concluded unofficial Test series, is very much likely to be benched in the first Test.