Team India batter KL Rahul admitted he couldn’t reveal his batting position for the second Test against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. With Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill back in contention after missing the Perth opener, uncertainty surrounds the batting order.
Rahul opened in Rohit’s absence and seized the opportunity, scoring 26 and 77 in the two innings. He showcased solid technique against the new ball and Australia’s bowling attack, strengthening his case for the rest of the series.
In the pink-ball warm-up match against the Prime Minister’s XI, Rahul opened alongside Jaiswal. He scored a composed 27 off 44 balls before being retired not out in the rain-affected game in Canberra. Rahul hinted that the team management has finalized his batting position ahead of the second Test.
“I’ve been told, but I have also been told not to share it today. So, have to wait for Day 1 or when the captain comes here tomorrow,” KL Rahul said during a press conference in Adelaide (via Rev Sportz).
If Rohit Sharma returns as an opener, KL Rahul might have to move to the middle order, with Shubman Gill taking the No. 3 spot. However, if Rahul retains his opening role, either Rohit or Gill would need to bat lower down the order.
Rahul also shared that the management had informed him about being considered as an opener during Rohit Sharma’s absence for personal reasons.
“I got told quite early. I missed out the New Zealand series, did not play the last two games. So I was told to be ready, there might be a chance for me to open the batting. So, I got enough time to prepare, and opening is something that I have done for a long time in my career. I got enough practice time, I played here early in the India A game which helped me,” Rahul added.
“I Just Want To Be In The Playing XI” – KL Rahul Unconcerned About Batting Position
The Karnataka batter has batted in various positions since his international debut. After young openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill took over the top order, he was moved to the middle. His success in tough overseas conditions has kept him in contention for an opening spot during a crisis, and it remains to be seen if he will get that opportunity this time.
“I just want to be in the playing XI, go out there and bat and play for the team. I just go there and try and see what I need to do to get runs in a particular situation. Luckily I have batted in different positions. Early on, when I was asked to bat at different positions, it was a bit of a challenge mentally,” KL Rahul said in the same presser.
Team India lead 1-0 in the five-match series as they head into the second Test, which is set to begin on Friday, December 6.
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