India batter KL Rahul has been enjoying a sensational run of form since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A determined showing in Australia was followed by standout performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 and the Indian Premier League, making this one of the most prolific phases of Rahul’s career. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent from the ongoing Test series against England, Rahul has stepped up once again, registering a century in the second innings of the opening Test.

Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar has now shed light on how Rahul’s resurgence was a key focus of his tenure with the Indian team. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Nayar shared, “When I first picked up that role, I remember I had a conversation with Rohit, and he said that one of the things he was really keen on me doing was working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook to how KL played the game and bringing the best out of him because he believed strongly that KL would play a major role in the Champions Trophy, World Cup, and everything going forward, including the BGT [Border-Gavaskar Trophy] and the Tests in England.”

Rahul’s current success is in stark contrast to his struggles in 2023, particularly in the ODI World Cup final, where he was heavily criticized for a tentative approach under pressure. Failing to adapt against Australia, Rahul was dropped from the T20 World Cup squad in 2024 and later released by his IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants. According to Nayar, significant shifts were required both technically and mentally, and they began working during India’s unsuccessful tour of New Zealand.

Turning Point: Technical Adjustments and Mental Reset

"Australia was going to be critical for him because it was almost like, if you didn't get runs there, then where is his career going? Because he was out of the T20 [squad]. Then this could also very well have been his last series," Nayar recalled. "I told him, listen, we've got 15 days to prepare before we go to Australia. And take those 10 days there; we have got almost a month to prepare. What do you want to do? How do you want to approach this? What is your mindset?"

Abhishek Nayar on Espn Cricinfo about Rohit - Rahul:

"When I first picked up that role, I remember I had a conversation with Rohit, and he said that one of the things he was really keen on me doing was working with KL and bringing out a more aggressive outlook to how KL played… pic.twitter.com/frRFJA9TZ4

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 28, 2025

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Nayar emphasized that once they corrected Rahul’s technique, they focused on mental fortitude. “He spoke about what he's been doing and what worked for him in the past. And then I had a certain thought process, which was very different from his,” he said. “Over hours and hours of conversation… eventually I got him to a place where he sort of trusted me… in regard to his stance, where he stands in the crease, and what guard he takes.” Nayar, who still works with Rahul privately, hopes the batter’s revival continues through the England series.