KL Rahul batted India out of bother within the first innings of the opening Test vs South Africa in Centurion. This shouldn’t be the primary time he has performed that. The final time India have been right here, Rahul had hit 123 off 260 balls to assist India set base for a memorable win. He was opening then however rather a lot has modified in Indian cricket since then.Â
With the children like Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill rising within the final two years wth the bat on the high order, Rahul discovered it powerful to cement his place. Someone who began his worldwide profession as a top-order batter, Rahul needed to be pushed down the batting order. He has been retaining wickets for India in ODIs for a very long time now, particularly after Rishabh Pant’s automobile accident. He has additionally been requested to bat within the center order, taking part in the position of a finisher within the ODIs. Honestly, he has performed nicely in that position.
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Talking particularly about Test cricket, Rahul has had his wrestle with the transferring ball and has been inconsistent. There have been good scores, massive scores however there even have been low scores. With recurring accidents, he has discovered it powerful to proceed taking part in on the high.Â
But this Test collection vs South Africa is a begin of one thing new for Rahul, who’s seeking to preserve wickets within the longest format of the sport and bat at 4 down. This place is more likely to be taken again by a fit-again Rishabh Pant as and when he returns however Rahul is guaranteeing he’s figuring out the methods to remain related within the staff.Â
THAT second when @klrahul received to his half-century in Centurion. __ #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/6O6jibCJMk
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 26, 2023
It can also be heartening to see that Rahul has discovered himself very comfy within the new position. Even within the ODIs, Rahul has extra than simply adjusted to shifting to the center order, taking part in some match-winning knocks. These change of roles for batters has labored nicely for Indian batters previosly as nicely. Rohit Sharma, for instance, batted within the center order initially for India and was very inconsistent. MS Dhoni then determined to make him open with Shikhar Dhawan and relaxation is historical past. Rohit has additionally change into a profitable Test opener right now.Â
Likewise, this collection could possibly be a begin of lengthy profession for Rahul within the center order. In what could possibly be a late realisation, batting within the center order has given Rahul a readability of thought which he all the time lacked as an opener. It all the time appeared Rahul was guessing solutions in opposition to the swinging deliveries at the beginning. And then would lose his wicket after being failing to search out any reply.
In the center order, he’s extra assured about his batting type. India batting coach Vikram Rathour underlined the identical when he was talking to the press after the tip of first day’s play in Centurion. Rathour mentioned that Rahul has readability of what he needs to do batting in that place. “He was very clear with his game plans, what he wanted to do, defended the right balls, attacked the right balls,” mentioned Rathour.
“He’s certainly going to be a man of crisis for us I think,” Rathour mentioned. “Every time there are tough situations and most of the times he’s there. He’s the guy who handles those situations really well,” he concluded.Â
Rahul is blossoming in his new position. India will hope that he continues to shine within the center order whereas additionally bettering his wicketkeeping expertise.
