India are backing senior batsman KL Rahul to find his run-scoring touch ahead of a busy schedule of nine Tests in four months, starting with Bangladesh in Kanpur on Friday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India won the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai by 280 runs to lead the two-match series 1-0, with Rahul scoring 16 and 22 not out on his return to the side for the first time since January's opening Test against England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He made 86 and 22 against England, but sat out the remaining four matches because of a thigh injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But the 32-year-old's last century came in December 2023 and that was his first for almost three years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I feel KL is someone who understands his game very well," assistant coach Abhishek Nayar told reporters on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Yes, there are times where a player is finding his feet," he added. "Hopefully we can have a turnaround in KL as well."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India will play three Tests at home against New Zealand starting October 16.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
They then head off on a five-Test tour to Australia, with the opening match in Perth starting November 22.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nayar noted that Rahul had shown glimpses of form during the first Test win against Bangladesh, when his 22 off 19 balls helped to set up a declaration.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The way he was batting in the second innings is the kind of cricket we are expecting and hoping for," he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I am pretty sure going forward you will see the expectations and the performances that you have from him."<\/p>\r\n\r\n