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Writer's pictureVijay Raman

KL Rahul impresses as opener after reassuming this role in BGT 2024-25; reasons for his success

Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25: KL Rahul with 235 runs from three games is the second highest run-getter in ongoing series. What are the reasons for his success?


KL Rahul is the 2nd highest run getter in BGT 2024-25_ Walking Wicket (Source_ ©BCCI_X)
KL Rahul is 2nd highest run getter in ongoing BGT (Source: ©BCCI/X)

KL Rahul has arguably been the best batter for Team India in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia Down Under. He is leading the team's run charts with a tally of 235 runs from three games, second only to Travis Head’s aggregate of 409. Although he hasn’t scored a single century, Rahul’s consistency sets him apart from his teammates.


Coming into the tour, no one would have predicted that Rahul, of all players, would be India’s most successful batter with two games remaining. He had a poor home season while batting in the middle order and was even dropped mid-series. Rahul only got the opening slot due to Rohit Sharma’s absence in the first Test but immediately made an impact with scores of 26 and 77 in the victorious Perth Test match. The rest is history, as he retained his position at the top of the order and looks set to continue in the role for the remaining games.


So, how has Rahul managed to remain consistent in conditions where the rest of the India batters are struggling to adapt?


Technique in SENA countries 

KL Rahul is one batter in Team India who thrives on batting for long periods, and his solid technique allows him to do so. The right-hander is among India’s most technically gifted batters today, and his batting exudes class and elegance. With every shot in the book to score big runs, his standout quality is his exceptional ability to judge the line and length of deliveries in seaming conditions.


In countries like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia, a visiting batter must know where their off-stump is and have the patience to leave as many deliveries as possible to survive. Rahul has mastered this skill, and it shows in his performances in these challenging conditions. Since 2020, he has scored 889 runs at an average of 40.40 in 12 Tests in these nations.


His ability to bat through a collapse, as seen in Brisbane, is particularly commendable — especially the way he continued batting after being dropped on the very first ball of Day 4. In the ongoing series, these traits have been on full display, with Rahul facing the most deliveries (470) across both sides.



AUS vs IND_ KL Rahul scored 84 against Australia in Gabba _ Walking Wicket (Images_ ©BCCI_X)
KL Rahul scored 84 against Australia in Gabba (Images: ©BCCI/X)
Mindset to contribute 

An average of 34.58 after 56 Tests is not something to boast about, especially for a batter of KL Rahul’s calibre. As Matthew Hayden rightly pointed out, a player with Rahul’s skillset should have a batting average exceeding 50 by now. However, despite not fully realising his potential thus far, Rahul possesses an incredible mindset and a commitment to contributing to the team’s success.


He has batted in every position the team required in Tests and scored runs, albeit not consistently. Rahul has always been a team player, and the immense effort he has put into excelling in any given role is evident in his performances during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).


Team Management’s faith 

KL Rahul’s talent is widely recognised, which is one of the key reasons the team management has backed him to the hilt. Even during his lean patches, India found ways to accommodate the 32-year-old in any possible role. On the tour of South Africa, Rahul took on the role of a wicket-keeper batter in Rishabh Pant’s absence, while the recently concluded home Test season saw him play as a specialist middle-order batter.


Though he wasn’t overtly successful, India kept him in the fold, backing his ability and giving him ample opportunity. The current head coach of India, Gautam Gambhir, has publicly praised Rahul’s versatility, noting that not many teams would have a player like him in their ranks.


While Rahul’s willingness to adapt to different challenges and team needs deserves credit, it must be said that Team India is now reaping the benefits of backing the right-hander in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).


 

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