IND v SL 2017: Sanjay Bangar concerned over Ajinkya Rahane's form

Rahane is one of the key batsmen for India in overseas tour.

Ajnikya Rahane | Getty Images

When Indian batsmen are enjoying the good-run against a mediocre Sri Lankan bowling attack, one of India's stalwart Ajinkya Rahane has struggled to get runs in this series. His performance is going to be key against South Africa in the upcoming tour.

Indian batting coach is disappointed with Rahane's recent scores. He thinks the middle-order batsman will "surely be disappointed" with the kind of dismissals he has had of late.

Ajinkya is one of the key batsmen for India in overseas. However, he has only 7 runs from 4 innings in the current series.

"He (Rahane) would be disappointed in the manner he got out. He is somebody who works hard on his game, like all players do. Maybe last match (trying to square cut off-spinner Dilruwan Perera) and this match (stumpeWhen Indian d off Sandakan), he erred in shot selection," Bangar said at the end of the first day's play of the third Test against Sri Lanka.

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The Indian batting coach thinks Rahane is someone who has the ability to get back in the form very soon. 

"I think that would be hurting him definitely but he is a quality player. And going forward, even his overseas record has been phenomenal. Yeah, he would be disappointed. He is a quality player and has the ability to bounce back quickly," Bangar exuded confidence.

For Bangar, Rahane's calling card should be the runs that he has made in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa on previous tours.

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"He is one of the few players who has scored in every overseas country we have toured. That shows the quality he possesses. He is a quality player who has always performed when the chips are down for the team. He will be hurting with the kind of dismissals he has had but he is too good a player to not score runs for a long time."

Bangar wants to get rid of the negative mindset of Rahane, who is going through a tough phase.

"I think a coach should be consistent in his interactions with a particular player. Every player wants to work on a certain aspect of his game and raise the bar. Irrespective of a player's form, our preparation is similar. As far as confidence is concerned, if any player is not in good form, it also depends on his attitude -- whether negative thoughts have crept in or not.

"We have to ensure how one can counter and transform the negative thoughts into positive ones. These are things we discuss. The hunger is same in all players," Bangar explained. 

The former Railways captain said that while selecting the playing XI, the current form of a player is paramount. "The team management is very clear that the current form and the way in which the mindset of a player is going to be is paramount while picking the final XI."

 
 

By Sihyeu Singh - 03 Dec, 2017

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