In a cricketing era dominated by big hitters, aggressive openers, and flamboyant stroke-makers, KL Rahul is steadily redefining his role as India’s new batting rock. Often overshadowed by the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shubman Gill, Rahul has emerged as a crucial pillar for India’s top order across formats, especially in Tests and ODIs.
Why KL Rahul Remains Underappreciated
Despite consistent performances, Rahul often finds himself under the radar. Key reasons include:
- Frequent injuries disrupting his rhythm and career momentum.
- The presence of established superstars grabbing the limelight.
- Shifts between opening, middle-order roles, and wicketkeeping duties affecting his perception as a stable top-order batter.
However, his recent form has forced critics and selectors to acknowledge his undeniable value.
His Recent Heroics
During the ongoing India vs England Test series, Rahul has delivered when it mattered most:
- Lord’s Test 2025: Scored a composed 114 in the first innings, navigating overcast conditions and an unpredictable Dukes ball with masterful defence and elegant drives.
- Adelaide 2024: His gritty 75 against Australia set up a crucial victory under lights in a day-night Test.
- ODIs vs South Africa 2024: Registered scores of 103*, 67, and 42*, guiding chases with composure.
These innings underline his ability to adapt to match situations, weather conditions, and bowling attacks worldwide.
KL Rahul’s Performance Snapshot (2024-2025)
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 11 | 894 | 49.66 | 3 |
| ODIs | 19 | 835 | 52.18 | 2 |
| T20Is | 6 | 148 | 29.6 | 0 |
His impressive averages, particularly in Tests and ODIs, highlight his consistency and versatility.
Rahul’s Technical Excellence
Rahul’s batting combines:
- Sound technique: Tight defence and controlled backlift against quality seamers.
- Elegant strokeplay: Especially square drives and flicks off the pads.
- Temperament: Calm under pressure, willing to absorb testing spells before accelerating.
Experts believe his solid technique makes him India’s safest bet in swinging or seaming conditions, particularly outside Asia.
Experts Speak
- Rahul Dravid (Head Coach): “He is technically among the best batters in the world today. His adaptability is invaluable for Indian cricket.”
- Sunil Gavaskar: “He is fulfilling the role that Dravid played for India – reliable, calm, and capable of long innings.”
Captaincy Potential
Rahul has led India in:
- ODIs: 10 matches (7 wins)
- Tests: 3 matches (1 win)
His leadership style is described as calm and player-friendly, though some critique him for defensive field placements in Tests. Yet, his captaincy exposure makes him a natural vice-captaincy choice for India’s transitional phase.
Why India Needs Him Now More Than Ever
With Rohit Sharma ageing, Virat Kohli focusing on Tests and select ODIs, and Shubman Gill still settling as a long-term opener, KL Rahul offers stability. His dual role as wicketkeeper-batsman also provides team flexibility in balancing bowling options.
Social Media Reactions
Indian fans have poured in appreciation after Rahul’s recent performances:
- “KL Rahul is finally getting the respect he deserves. What a classy player.”
- “He is the new wall of India. Calm, composed, and elegant.”
- “No more underrated tag. Time to call him our Mr. Dependable.”
KL Rahul’s Journey: Overcoming Setbacks
Rahul’s career has been shaped by:
- Frequent injuries: From sports hernia to thigh strains, these breaks hampered his rhythm.
- Criticism over strike rate: Especially in T20Is, leading to him being dropped in 2023-24 phases.
- Comebacks: Each time, he returned stronger, focusing on technique refinement with specialist coaches in Bengaluru and NCA.
Comparing KL Rahul With India’s Other Top Order Batters (2024-2025)
| Player | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 10 | 712 | 42.8 | 2 |
| Shubman Gill | 12 | 654 | 38.4 | 1 |
| Virat Kohli | 8 | 595 | 49.5 | 2 |
| KL Rahul | 11 | 894 | 49.66 | 3 |
These stats confirm Rahul’s emergence as a top performer despite fewer headlines compared to his illustrious teammates.
Future Outlook
- Likely to play a key role in the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
- Will remain India’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman in Tests unless Rishabh Pant regains full fitness and consistency.
- Expected to form India’s opening pair with Shubman Gill for the next two ICC cycles.
Final Thoughts
KL Rahul’s rise from an injury-prone, underappreciated batter to India’s rock at the top showcases his mental toughness, technical adaptability, and unshakeable composure. As India looks to build a solid core for the next generation, Rahul’s underrated yet proven stature makes him indispensable for Team India’s success across formats.
Disclaimer: This news article is for informational and analytical purposes only. It summarises public performances, expert opinions, and available statistical data without constituting professional sports analysis or betting advice.
