\u201cHe\u2019s at his prime. He has got to make these next three, four years count,\u201d Shastri said on The ICC Review. \u201cAnd I see him getting a lot of hundreds because he's playing a lot of cricket in India as well. So whatever that average is, he should be close to 50.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahul has been one of India\u2019s standout performers in the ongoing World Test Championship series, amassing 375 runs in three matches at an average of 62.5, including two centuries and a fifty. He currently holds the fourth-highest aggregate in the series and has now scored the joint-second most Test centuries for India in England (four), only behind Rahul Dravid (six).<\/p>\r\n\r\n
According to Shastri, Rahul\u2019s success is a result of both technical and mental recalibration. \u201cI think there was not one person in the world who denied his potential and said that he (Rahul) was not talented,\u201d Shastri remarked. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhat annoyed people was, with that kind of talent, he was not delivering. And in this series, you're seeing the best of Rahul.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shastri also highlighted a specific technical change that has made a big difference. \u201cWhat I am seeing is a slight adjustment he's made with his front foot, in his stance and while defending. It just opened up a bit, which allows his back to come through cleanly. Even when he's hitting it towards mid-wicket, it's the full face of the blade,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhat annoyed people was, with that kind of talent, he was not delivering. And in this series, you're seeing the best of Rahul.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
At 33, Rahul now has 3,632 Test runs at an average of 35.3, with 10 centuries and 18 fifties. With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match series, all eyes will be on the in-form opener when the fourth Test begins at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 23.<\/p>\r\n\r\n