KL Rahul had 393 runs and six half-centuries during Australia’s previous visit to India in 2017. He finished the series with the third-most runs scored. He was able to throw himself a lifeline with his 149 in Oval even during the lowest points of 2018 before being executed. In an effort to secure his position in the Test lineup once more upon his return to the fold in 2021, he struck hundreds at Lord’s and Centurion. However, Rahul’s spot in the India playing XI is still up in the air as Australia makes their sixth trip to India.
For the first Test in Nagpur, there is discussion about whether India should start with Rahul or drop him to the middle order in light of the rise of Shubman Gill. Rahul finally spoke in the midst of the discussion.
“There will be a temptation to play three spinners in Nagpur Test,” KL Rahul ahead of the first Test against Australia. “If the team wants to me to bat in the middle, I am ready to do it.” #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/sXWLHddzbg
— Rahul Rawat (@rawatrahul9) February 7, 2023
With 42 of his 45 appearances in Tests coming at the position, Rahul has mostly played opening batsman for India. With seven centuries, he amassed 2513 runs at a 35.90 average. He has only ever played in the middle order once, against Australia in Melbourne in 2014, and was only ever dismissed for three runs.
Rahul is now only an option for the middle of the order because veterans cricketers like Harbhajan Singh have backed Gill to open alongside captain Rohit Sharma due to the youngster’s incredible form. Suryakumar Yadav, a prospective candidate to fill the void, puts the latter in fierce competition for the other post.
I am willing to bat in the middle if that is what the team wants “Rahul responded when asked about his batting position during the pre-game news conference on Tuesday in Nagpur.
Rahul also hinted about playing XI of India in the first Test match.
“Given the moving track in India, there will be a temptation to field three spinners, but we won’t know the pitch until game day. Choosing the starting XI is difficult, there are a few openings, “he added.
