AUS vs IND, Perth Test: KL Rahul's gritty 77 in the second innings of Perth Test showed his class and defiance. Let's decode his innings.
Despite being labelled out-of-form recently, KL Rahul dropped a masterclass in Perth during the opening test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. His performance was a shining example of grit and determination that put India in a strong position at the Optus Stadium.
Despite facing mounting pressure and criticism, Rahul stood tall and played a crucial innings when his team needed it the most. His innings, though not spectacular on paper like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Virat Kohli’s, showed that he is here to stay in the challenging conditions.
A challenging start
In the first innings, Rahul managed 26 runs off 74 balls including three boundaries, before being dismissed by Mitchell Starc. While it wasn’t a big score, the context made it significant.
Rahul was not initially supposed to open the batting. But, with Rohit Sharma’s absence, he was called up to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top of the order. Moreover, the pitch offered significant assistance to fast bowlers, making batting a challenging task. Despite the difficult conditions, Rahul’s presence was crucial in providing India with a solid start.
Overcoming injury and criticism
Rahul not only had to contend with the Australia bowling attack but also with a slight injury concern that added to the pressure. He was under scrutiny for his recent form, having been dropped from India’s XI during the series against New Zealand.
There was significant expectation on him to deliver, and Rahul did not disappoint. In the second innings, he scored a valuable half-century off 124 balls. He played several exquisite shots, including a delightful on-drive off Pat Cummins, showcasing his technique and composure under pressure.
One of the standout aspects of Rahul’s second innings was his partnership with Jaiswal. The duo’s 201-run stand was pivotal in India’s fightback, wearing down the Australia bowlers and frustrating them.
This partnership became India’s first 100-plus opening partnership in Australia since 2003-04, an incredible feat in such demanding conditions. Rahul’s partnership with Jaiswal was not only important for India’s score but also in helping Jaiswal settle into the rigours of international cricket.
Read More: Yashasvi Jaiswal cracks Perth code in style
A milestone: 3,000 Test runs
Rahul’s performance in Perth also saw him reach an important personal milestone—3,000 runs in Test cricket. His 77 runs off 176 balls in the second innings took him past 3,000 Test runs, making him the 13th India cricketer to achieve this feat.
Rahul and Jaiswal became only the third India opening pair to post a double-century stand in SENA nations. They joined the ranks of India greats like Chetan Chauhan-Sunil Gavaskar and Vijay Merchant-Syed Mushtaq Ali. The record galore further solidified Rahul’s place in Indian Test cricket history.
A century stand and beyond
KL Rahul’s 77-run knock was instrumental in India’s comeback in the game. The 201-run partnership between Rahul and Jaiswal became the third-highest opening partnership for India in SENA nations, joining legendary India opening pairs such as Chetan Chauhan and Sunil Gavaskar, and Vijay Merchant and Syed Mushtaq Ali.
The partnership also made Rahul and Jaiswal the sixth opening pair in Test cricket history to post a double-century stand in Australia, a remarkable feat that highlights the importance of their collaboration.
Opening suits Rahul
Since 2015, Rahul has primarily opened the batting for India in Tests. However, in the last few years, he has been moved around the order due to various team dynamics.
During the South Africa tour last December, he was even asked to bat at No. 6, a position he had never batted in before. This was followed by stints at No. 4 against England and No. 6 again during the Bangladesh series.
Despite this shuffle, Rahul’s best performances have come as an opener, and his recent innings in Perth reaffirmed that opening the batting suits him best.
Rahul’s guidance helps Jaiswal
A key factor in India’s success during this Test was Rahul’s ability to guide young Yashasvi Jaiswal. Despite a disappointing duck in the first innings, Jaiswal played a fantastic knock in the second innings, bringing up a brilliant century. Rahul’s support and calm presence at the crease helped Jaiswal adjust to the challenging conditions, and the partnership between the two became a major turning point in the game.
Praise from all quarters
Rahul’s performance in Perth did not go unnoticed, with praise coming in from all corners. Former Australia cricketer Matthew Hayden was particularly impressed with Rahul’s resilience and composure.
Speaking to Star Sports, Hayden highlighted that Rahul’s knock was a reminder of what he is capable of when he plays with clarity and confidence. Hayden also noted that Rahul’s promotion to the opening position in the absence of Rohit Sharma was a golden opportunity to silence his critics, and Rahul made the most of it.
Will Rohit Sharma replace KL Rahul?
With Rohit Sharma expected to return to the squad in time for the second Test in Adelaide, the question remains whether Rahul will keep his place in the team. Rohit’s absence from the pre-series practice sessions means he will head into the second Test with limited preparation. The second Test, which will be a pink-ball affair, is likely to offer more swing, which could make it challenging for any batter. However, Rahul’s performance in Perth has shown that he is more than capable of holding his own in the absence of Rohit.
Over the past few years, Rahul has been used as a “floater,” shuffling between different positions in the batting order. However, after his performance in the Perth Test, it seems like Rahul might finally have earned the right to a more settled spot in the team. His adaptability, resilience, and excellent technique make him a valuable asset for India, and it may be time for the team to allow him the consistency of a fixed batting position.
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