Prior to their T20 World Cup campaign opening against Pakistan on October 23, according to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, opener KL Rahul's strong play and bat-skills will be very advantageous for the team.
Rahul found his stride again as he hammered three fifties in five bilateral matches against Australia and South Africa at home, five bilateral matches after scoring 62 against Afghanistan in India's final Super Four match of Asia Cup 2022.
Since India's arrival in Australia in early October, he has continued to perform well, scoring a patient 74 against Western Australia XI in the second practise match in Perth, and then 57 against Australia in a warm-up match at The Gabba in Brisbane.
"Rahul's recent performances have been outstanding. He has two consecutive fifty-scores in this trip, and the finest part of it all is the fluency he has shown. When he hits the ball, it easily clears the boundary thanks to the timing he used to hit the ball."
"The Indian Team has planned to make the most of the first six overs, hence the team needs someone who can hit the ball like he can. Therefore, it is really advantageous for Team India for him to perform in this manner and with this kind of form "explained Bangar during the Star Sports programme "Follow The Blues."
Suryakumar Yadav, who has been in the best shape of his life in the game's shortest format this year and stunned fans with his aggressive stroke-play, will be another important figure in India's batting order in addition to Rahul.
"The most important thing for any player travelling Australia for the first time is to get used to the pace and bounce of the wicket. Suryakumar is on his first tour of that country. Therefore, I don't believe Suryakumar will have any issues dealing with pace or spin bowlers."
"He has been essential to the Indian batting order, particularly in the middle order, so this is wonderful news. Therefore, it's crucial for Suryakumar to maintain this confidence throughout the World Cup if he wants to score runs "further Bangar.
India, the 2007 Men's T20 World Cup champion, is in Group 2 of the Super 12 stage of the competition together with Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, and two other qualifying teams from the opening round.
Following their match against Pakistan on October 23 at the MCG, India will play their Super 12 matches on October 27 at the SCG against the first qualifier side from Round One, on October 30 at Perth Stadium against South Africa, on November 2 at Adelaide Oval against Bangladesh, and on November 6 at the MCG against Pakistan (against second qualifier side from Round One at MCG).