Ahead of the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Adelaide, KL Rahul appears poised to retain his role as India’s opener. The 32-year-old, who made a mark with his solid performances in Perth, remains a crucial figure in the batting lineup, especially in the absence of clarity over Rohit Sharma’s batting position.
Focused and Prepared
Rahul, who debuted in Australia in 2014, has grown into a seasoned cricketer. Despite facing challenges such as poor form and injuries, he has learned to adapt to different roles. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Rahul emphasized his readiness to contribute wherever the team needs him.
“I’ve been informed about my role, but I’ve also been told not to share it,” Rahul said. “For me, it’s about being in the XI. Wherever the team requires me, I’m ready to step up and perform.”
This adaptability, coupled with his clarity and composure, has made Rahul a dependable choice at the top. His ability to adjust to different scenarios is evident in his approach: “I just focus on what the team needs from me in the moment and take it session by session.”
A Seasoned Campaigner
Rahul’s experience batting in various positions across formats has helped him evolve as a player. “Early on, switching positions was more of a mental challenge than a technical one,” he reflected. “Now, I know how to approach those first 30-40 balls, whether I’m opening or batting in the middle order. That start is key—it sets the tone for the rest of the innings.”
Rahul’s time in domestic cricket and warm-up games has been instrumental in honing his skills. “Opening is something I’ve done for most of my career. I’ve had ample time to prepare, including playing in India A games and practice matches, which has helped me feel ready for this challenge,” he explained.
A Promising Partnership
One of the highlights of Rahul’s recent performances was his partnership with young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in Perth, where their 201-run stand was pivotal in securing victory. Reflecting on the experience, Rahul noted the importance of guiding the younger player.
“I saw a bit of myself in Yashasvi—those early nerves and doubts. I just focused on calming him down, much like Murali Vijay did for me when I first opened in Australia,” Rahul said.
Strategic Flexibility
Rahul’s role as an opener also gives the team the flexibility to utilize Rohit Sharma’s versatility. With Rohit potentially batting in the middle order, India could leverage his ability to dominate tiring bowlers and an older ball. This strategy could further strengthen India’s batting lineup, which includes aggressive players like Rishabh Pant and promising all-rounders.
The Pink-Ball Challenge
As India prepares for the pink-ball Test, Rahul acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the conditions and emphasized the team’s session-by-session approach.
“Pink-ball cricket is tricky, but we’re focused on winning sessions rather than looking too far ahead. That mindset has helped us before, and we’re sticking to it,” he concluded.
With his focus, preparation, and growing confidence, KL Rahul seems ready to make a significant impact at the top of the order, giving India the stability and flexibility needed to tackle the challenges ahead in Adelaide.
