KL Rahul is set for a return to the top of the order in red-ball cricket, as he is slated to open the batting for India ‘A’ in the upcoming second unofficial Test against Australia ‘A’. The Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side is currently trailing 0-1 in the series, with the final match scheduled to start on Thursday, November 7, in Melbourne.
Rahul was a late addition to the India ‘A’ squad after spending the latter part of the main team’s 0-3 loss to New Zealand on the bench. Dhruv Jurel also joined the shadow tour to gain some much-needed match time, having not featured in the playing XI throughout the home season.
Previously regarded as a middle-order batsman since the South Africa tour, Rahul wasn’t even considered for the No.3 spot when Shubman Gill was absent in the series opener against New Zealand in Bengaluru. The decision to move Rahul up the order likely aims to give him more opportunities to face deliveries, boosting his preparation for future challenges.
Another possibility is that KL Rahul could be considered to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in Rohit Sharma’s absence for the early part of the Border-Gavaskar series. While Abhimanyu Easwaran has been named as the reserve opener, the team management is exploring all available options before finalizing their decision.
As per an ESPN Cricinfo report, Ishan Kishan is expected to make way for Dhruv Jurel in the wicket-keeping role. This shift in the batting order would likely move captain Ruturaj Gaikwad down to No. 3.
KL Rahul has an average of 34.95 as an opener in Tests
Although his statistics may not strongly support his case for a potential promotion, his vast experience is a significant advantage. Rahul has a wealth of experience batting abroad, having made his debut in Australia exactly ten years ago.
In his debut series in Sydney, KL Rahul scored a century while opening the innings, and he has since notched up composed hundreds in England and South Africa, facing tough conditions and strong bowling attacks.
The last time Rahul opened the innings for India was during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar series, where he struggled to make an impact on spin-friendly pitches against Australia’s bowlers.
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