ENG vs IND: Ex-coach reveals secret behind KL Rahul’s 500-run England Test series

Rahul, who amassed 532 runs at an average of 53.20, including two centuries and two fifties, was India’s second-highest run-scorer in the series. He played key roles across different positions in the batting order and formed a solid opening partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

“There are very, very few people who know this – after the birth of his child, he was in the IPL and came back immediately to start preparing for the England Test series,” Nayar told PTI in an exclusive interview. “While a lot of people wouldn’t have done that, he knew the importance of this series. He understood it.”

“Every minute post the last IPL game he played was about how he can do well in this Test series. So it’s great to see him succeed and get the recognition he rightly deserves – being the guy who’s done all the dirty jobs and still managed to perform at every number in that batting order.”

ENG vs IND:Nayar, who has worked closely with Rahul in his coaching capacity, said while he was not at liberty to disclose the specific technical changes Rahul had made, the results speak volumes.

“I can’t talk about the changes I’ve seen in KL Rahul because then it’s out there and the effectiveness goes down a lot,” said Nayar, currently head coach of the UP Warriorz in the Women’s Premier League. “All I can say is, whatever the changes are, they have really worked.”

“Sometimes – and I always say this – in a cricketer’s journey and a team’s journey, things need to click. You need a bit of the rub of the green. I think he’s had that as well.”

The former Mumbai batter also lauded the Indian team’s resolve through the tour, particularly after their spirited performance in Manchester.

“A lot of the changes that you’ve seen in our players getting runs are partly down to conditions, but also due to the hunger they’ve shown to go out there and prove a point,” Nayar said.

“The determination in the last game, the fight they showed – it just tells you about the mentality our players carry, and the feeling they have for Test cricket.”

Looking ahead to the final day of the series, Nayar added: “All in all, Indian cricket is in good hands and hopefully we wrap it up today and everything’s good.”