"I've been told, but I have also been told not to share it" - KL Rahul on his batting position for 2nd BGT 2024-25 Test
Team India batter KL Rahul acknowledged that he can't share his position in the batting order for the upcoming second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the flow of the batting order as Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill returned to contention after missing the series opener in Perth.
Rahul was preferred as an opener over Abhimanyu Easwaran in Rohit's absence, and the wicketkeeper-batter made the rare chance count. He scored 26 and 77 in the first and the second innings, respectively. Rahul was methodical against the new ball and the Australian bowling attack, making a serious impression for the remainder of the series.
During the pink-ball warm-up clash against the Prime Minister's XI, Rahul was paired with Jaiswal at the top. The right-handed batter scored a steady 44-ball 27-run knock before he was retired not out in the rain-curtailed clash in Canberra.
Rahul indicated that the management has decided on his spot in the batting order in the lead-up to the second Test.
"I've been told, but I have also been told not to share it today. So, have to wait for Day 1 or when the captain comes here tomorrow," KL Rahul said during a press conference in Adelaide (via Rev Sportz).
If Rohit Sharma reclaims his spot at the top, KL Rahul way will have to settle with a middle-order slot, with Shubman Gill coming in at No.3. However, if Rahul continues as an opener, then Rohit or Gill has to be demoted in the batting order.
Rahul further spoke about how he was indicated by the management that he could be used as an opener during Rohit Sharma's absence due to personal reasons.
"I got told quite early. I missed out the New Zealand series, did not play the last two games. So I was told to be ready, there might be a chance for me to open the batting. So, I got enough time to prepare, and opening is something that I have done for a long time in my career. I got enough practice time, I played here early in the India A game which helped me," Rahul added.
KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel traveled to Australia earlier than the rest of the contingent. They were available to play the second unofficial Test for India A against Australia A at the MCG. The former was also involved in match simulation, sustaining a blow to his elbow ahead of the first Test.
"I just want to be in the playing XI" - KL Rahul unfussed over batting position
The Karnataka batter has played in several positions since his international debut. He was consigned to the middle order after youngsters Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill took over the top order.
His laurels in challenging overseas conditions made him a contender for the top during a crisis, and it remains to be seen whether he will be given a rope this time around.
"I just want to be in the playing XI, go out there and bat and play for the team. I just go there and try and see what I need to do to get runs in a particular situation. Luckily I have batted in different positions. Early on, when I was asked to bat at different positions, it was a bit of a challenge mentally," KL Rahul said in the same presser.
Team India have a 1-0 lead in the five-match series heading into the second Test. The contest is slated to begin on Friday, December 6.