3 reasons why India must stick with KL Rahul as opener for the remainder of BGT 2024-25
KL Rahul began the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as an opener due to the absence of regular opener Rohit Sharma, but now, he has all the right to stake claim on the basis of merit. The right-handed batter put up an impressive display at the top of the order in the first Test in Perth, but the return of Rohit brings a tone of uncertainty for the rest of the series.
Rohit missed the first Test to attend the birth of his second child, while Shubman Gill was also absent due to a finger injury. With these two players returning to the playing XI, India have a lot of shuffling to do, but it remains to be seen whether KL Rahul's spot is affected in any way or not.
Either one of Rohit Sharma or Shubman Gill might have to accept a serious demotion in the batting order for KL Rahul to continue playing at the top. The wicket-keeper batter did open in the pink-ball warm-up match alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Shubman Gill also came in his designated No.3 spot, while Rohit Sharma came in at No.4 in Virat Kohli's absence.
On that note, let us take a look at three reasons why India must stick with KL Rahul as an opener for the remainder of BGT 2024-25.
#1 Solid technique and patience against the new ball
KL Rahul's journey as a red-ball opening batter has been a rocky one, but the highlight of his run is the fact that some of his best work remains unforgotten. His exploits against the new ball in South Africa and England is arguably the right template for opening batters to deal with adverse, alien conditions, and challenging bowlers.
There were shades of those displays when he survived against the new ball across both innings in Perth. An unlucky and controversial dismissal in the first innings did not dent his momentum, as he reaped the benefits of surviving in the second innings.
His ability to judge the delivery, and safely leave the ball has been a standout. With his awareness of where his off-stump lies, he brings a lot of calmness to the crease. While intent is always appreciated in the modern era, Rahul's resilience at the top is the perfect blend with Yashasvi Jaiswal's tempo at the other end.
Having an opener who can ride out the tough phase and survive the new ball also shields the middle order, who can then come out and capitalize the old ball and tiring bowlers.
#2 Formidable record as an opening batter in overseas Tests
KL Rahul's red-ball record as a whole may not speak for itself. An average of 34.27 after close to a 100 innings is nothing to write home about. However, one has to note that his career has come in spells, with injuries, and playing in different conditions coming int the mix.
What Rahul offers is solid experience at the top of the order, and while he has been inconsistent at times, he has also been exposed to tough conditions and potent bowlers. There were doubts regarding his prowess when he failed in the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A. However, the past is evidence that he cannot be judged on form or numbers.
At the end of the day, the traits that he brings to the table are quite appealing. There is no other Indian batter in recent times that has made such an impact in overseas conditions. He has often read conditions well, applied himself, and shown the temperament to stay long at the crease. His skillset is perhaps a mismatch for the lower middle-order, especially in overseas Tests.
#3 Another shuffle will dent his confidence
KL Rahul began his Test career in the middle-order, but was bumped as an opener as early as the second match itself. He became the first-choice opener right after that, enjoying a run that lasted a while. However, he was dropped from the side after mediocre scores in 2018-19, and made an unexpected return in the 2021 series against England.
A prolific series upon return made him the first-choice candidate again, but with Yashasvi Jaiswal's rise and Shubman Gill's No.3 project, Rahul had to settle for a lower middle-order position. All of this runs parallel with his constant shuffling in white-ball cricket.
Now after putting in a memorable shift, and giving it his all, if he is shunned back down the order, that would affect his confidence, which was not sky high to begin with. Rahul has a massive role to play in the impending transition of the team, and to unsettle him during this juncture would be a huge blunder.