Sanjay Bangar: KL Rahul Likely to Rue His Dismissal vs West Indies in Delhi Test

KL Rahul Will Regret His Dismissal vs West Indies in Delhi Test, Says Sanjay Bangar.

Former India cricketer and batting coach Sanjay Bangar believes KL Rahul will be disappointed with his dismissal on Day 1 of India’s second Test against West Indies in Delhi. Rahul, looking in solid touch, was stumped for 38 off Jomel Warrican after misreading the spin.

Speaking on Star Sports after the day’s play, Bangar lauded Rahul’s start, noting his composed approach and confident stroke play off the back foot. However, he also pointed out technical lapses that crept in as the innings progressed, suggesting Rahul may have had too much on his mind.

“The way he batted at the start was typical KL Rahul, letting the ball come to him. He plays exceptionally well on the back foot, which is why he scores a lot in the square leg and fine leg regions against the new ball,” Bangar said.

“We did see him using the bottom hand a bit. It didn’t look right on the straight drive and lofted on-drive. When he reflects on this dismissal in the dressing room, he’ll curse himself because this lapse prevented him from converting a good start into a big score,” he added.

Fresh off a century in the opening Test in Ahmedabad, Rahul looked set for another big innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul began aggressively while Jaiswal took his time to settle. Just as Rahul was finding rhythm, a lapse in concentration led him to step out and miss the turn, resulting in a straightforward stumping—a moment that Bangar says will frustrate the opener.

Rahul’s return as India’s first-choice Test opener has been one of the season’s highlights. With Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests earlier this year, Rahul and Jaiswal have established themselves as the team’s opening pair. Rahul’s experience and adaptability have been vital, especially in challenging conditions overseas.

Fortunately for India, Rahul’s wicket didn’t derail the innings. Jaiswal went on to score a brilliant century, his seventh in Tests, while Sai Sudharsan supported him in a crucial 193-run second-wicket partnership, helping India regain control.

Although Rahul’s 38 may not reflect his true form, Bangar’s insights highlight the fine margins in Test cricket, where a single misstep can turn promise into regret. As India’s senior opener, Rahul will be keen to bounce back stronger in the next innings.