Ash and Siraj will be excited about the challenge” – KL Rahul on number of left-handers in Aussie line-up

Team India’s Test vice-captain KL Rahul has stated that the hosts will not go into the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia with a predetermined attacking mindset. He said that the batters would assess the game situation and come up with a plan that’s best for the team.

India got off to an impressive start in 2023, defeating Sri Lanka and New Zealand in white-ball contests at home. The Men in Blue’s aggressive all-round approach was one of the standout aspects of their performances.

The Indians are now preparing to take on Australia in a four-match series, which begins in Nagpur on February 9. At a pre-series press conference, Rahul was asked if the team would look to bring their white-ball mindset into the Test matches as well. He replied:

“We don’t really plan and think like this is a Test game or a one-day game and this is how you are supposed to play. You obviously have individual plans on how to tackle every bowler. We all try and assess the situation.

“If the situation demands for us to play a few shorts, then that is what we’ll have to do. If the situation demands us to play regular Test cricket, you just play on the merits of the ball. Just adjust and adapt according to the situation.”

Rahul admitted that India’s preparations heading into the series have been focused on how to play spin since they are aware of what will be on offer. Rahul stated:

The (one) thing that we have obviously worked on is playing spin. We know how the pitches are going to be here in India and what to expect. Keeping that in mind, we have practiced playing spin.

“Each person has their own individual plans – everybody wants to play a certain way, which has been discussed with the coaches. As a batting group, we have discussed that and tried to get used to spinning conditions.”