Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has revealed that ODI captain Rohit Sharma had specifically requested him to work with KL Rahul to help unlock a more aggressive mindset and bring out the best in the talented batter.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Nayar reflected on his stint with the Indian team and shared that Rohit had deep belief in Rahul’s potential to be a crucial player across formats.
“When I first picked up that role, I remember I had a conversation with Rohit, and he said that one of the things he was really keen on me doing was working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook to how KL played the game, and bringing the best out of him. Because he believed strongly that KL would play a major role in the Champions Trophy, World Cup and everything going forward, including the BGT [Border-Gavaskar Trophy] and the Tests in England,” Nayar said.
KL Rahul showcased his class during the England Test at Headingley, where he scored a composed 137 off 247 deliveries, reinforcing his technical mastery and mental resilience.
However, Rahul’s journey had its ups and downs. Ahead of the BGT, he struggled in a Test series against New Zealand at home, with dismissals that raised concerns. Following that, he was dropped as India suffered a 3-0 series whitewash.
Nayar described that time as a pivotal juncture in Rahul’s career:
“I think that was sort of the inception [of our relationship]. Australia was going to be critical for him because it was almost like, what if you didn’t get runs there, then where is his career going? Because he was out of the T20 [squad]. Then this could also very well have been his last series.”
He detailed their preparation approach for the Australian tour:
“I told him, listen, we’ve got 15 days to prepare before we go to Australia, and take those ten days there, we have got almost a month to prepare – what do you want to do? How do you want to approach this? What is your mindset?”
Over long discussions, they built mutual trust.
“Eventually, I got him to a place where he sort of trusted me to do certain things with him in regards to how he practises, in regards to trusting certain changes in his tactics, in regards to his stance, where he stands in the crease, what guard he takes,” Nayar explained.
While not revealing the exact technical changes, Nayar offered insight into his coaching philosophy:
“All I can tell you is, the way I’ve always tried to handle things is to first try and address the skill, and then use skill as a medium to address the mind.”
He added,
“It’s about using practice to give his mind reassurance with the plan that we have, and what he needs to do to execute it. And then adding a lot of tactical nuances to that so that it gives him a slight edge when he’s batting. So his focus is totally on following and executing those tactical adjustments and nuances rather than focusing on the result of it.”
Nayar, part of Gautam Gambhir’s initial coaching team, was removed after a BCCI review post the 3-1 Test series loss in Australia, but his impact on Rahul’s game could have a lasting legacy as India prepares for major global tournaments ahead.