KL Rahul scored one fifty from three innings against Bangladesh and finished the series with the average of 53.00. Will series against New Zealand be crucial for KL Rahul's career?
KL Rahul was once deemed an all-format player. But now he is struggling to even retain his place in the only format he gets his chances. However, Rahul has earned himself a few more chances in Test cricket after his 43-ball 68 in the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh. But he knows the New Zealand Test series, commencing on October 16, will be his last chance to stay relevant in this format and book a ticket for the series Down Under.
Impressive recent form
His recent performances have shown his versatility as a batter who can not only bat long but also score briskly if the situation demands. Playing for India A in the Duleep Trophy, he made a 111-ball 37 and a 121-ball 57 against India B, showcasing himself as a classical First-Class player. But come the Kanpur Test, Rahul brought his T20 style of play to the fore, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes while striking over 150 during his 68-run knock to satisfy the team’s requirement of scoring briskly to force a result.
But the real test starts on October 16, when India face New Zealand in a three-match Test series. India would persist with Rahul at No. 6, hoping he can bat with the lower order to give the innings a push towards a winning total. But another failure would see the axe hanging around his neck as other promising youngsters are vying for his spot.
The competition for No. 6 spot is fierce
Sarfaraz Khan, who has been in red-hot form and even made a promising debut, is waiting in the wings for another opportunity in the middle order and cementing his place with a big innings. A few Test discards, such as Shreyas Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane, are also working hard on their game in domestic cricket to make a way back into India’s Test squad. Hence, Rahul’s task is cut out. He has to make the most of the opportunities he receives now or see himself being dropped. India would look to finalise the No. 6 spot before embarking on the Test series Down Under.
Rahul’s experience could work in his favour
Although performances will be the only criterion for Rahul to retain his place, his experience of playing in various overseas conditions and doing well there would also be taken into account before India select their squad for the Australia series. Rahul, for the record, has scored centuries in England, Australia, and South Africa—venues considered as batters’ hell—and that too as an opener.
Hence, Rahul’s success as an opener overseas would be a bonus and add a layer to his cricketing resume. However, currently, he will be judged on his performances as the No. 6 batter, as there is already a settled opening pair with a specialist reserve opener also in hindsight. Rahul has the backing of the team management and must get down to scoring tons to cement his place in the Test squad.
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