[Watch] KL Rahul trains intensely in gym ahead of 1st IND vs AUS 2024 Test in Perth

Team India batter KL Rahul has started his preparations for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024 Test series against Australia with intense gym sessions. Rahul and Dhruv Jurel traveled to Australia earlier than other Test squad members to play for India A and get acclimatized to the conditions Down Under.

With a cloud of uncertainty over Rohit Sharma's availability for the first Test, KL Rahul and Abhimanyu Easwaran are in contention for the backup option for the opening slot. However, both failed to make an impression in the recently concluded four-day match between India A and Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rahul scored 4 and 10 in the match, while Abhimanyu's numbers across two games read - 7, 12, 0, 17.

KL Rahul took to his official Instagram handle on Monday and shared a photo and video to give his fans a glimpse of his training routine ahead of the Test series. He captioned it:

"Miles."

You can watch the post below:

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"KL Rahul should consider himself very lucky to be getting opportunities" - Sanjay Manjrekar ahead of IND vs AUS BGT 2024 Test series

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently opined that KL Rahul should consider himself lucky for getting chances despite averaging only 33 after playing 53 Tests, which is rare in Indian cricket. During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar analyzed the options for the opening slot in Rohit Sharma's absence, saying:

"I would actually say KL Rahul should consider himself very lucky to be getting opportunities. Such comebacks and opportunities, very few players over the years in the history of Indian cricket have been given this kind of a deal. He's got 100 in Australia. So that is why he keeps coming back into plans. Now the average has dropped to 33 after 50 Test matches. I guess somewhere they hope that Rahul might find that form that he's capable of."

Manjrekar urged the team management to make the right choice by picking Abhimanyu Easwaran and advised them not to judge the Bengal batter without giving him a fair chance. He continued:

"Maybe Abhimanyu Easwaran hasn't convinced them as much. But it's not for us to play God and decide that maybe Abhimanyu Easwaran won't get run in the Test match. We've had many examples in the past where players have surprised you by the performances. So keep it simple and make the right choice."

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Do you agree with Sanjay Manjrekar's views above? Let us know your opinions in the comments section.