In the final 18 months, K.L. Rahul has batted at 4 totally different positions in Tests. Perhaps, being an immensely proficient batter in a line-up full of legends and stalwarts has this end result, for that’s most likely the solely approach to shoe-horn you in.
But Rahul is at his greatest as an opener, a place the place eight of his 9 centuries have come, together with the 137 (247b, 18×4) in opposition to England at Headingley on Monday.
“In the last couple of years, I have forgotten what my position is,” Rahul mentioned after the day’s play. “But I am happy to be given the responsibility [of batting at different positions]. It makes the game exciting and I can challenge myself.
“The last couple of series, I have opened and I have enjoyed that. All of my early years I have been an opener and I am happy to be back.”
In the 2024-25 Australia tour, the 33-year-old bought 5 respectable begins throughout 10 innings, however couldn’t rating massive. The second-innings century in Leeds, after the 42 in the first essay, would have come as a reduction.
“I was happy with the way I was batting in Australia but unhappy that I couldn’t convert. But that’s how the game goes. I learnt and made sure that once I get a start, I make it count.”
Rahul mentioned that he was additionally having fun with the position of being the seniormost batter in the present set-up.
“Even with Virat [Kohli] and Rohit [Sharma], there was a culture where everyone helped each other. I have been in those situations myself where I have spoke to Virat ahead of series in England and Australia.
“So the atmosphere in the dressing room is relaxing. And there are conversations like what to expect in Leeds, Lord’s… and we try and use that information.”
Looking forward to Tuesday, Rahul acknowledged that he would have been happier with “40 to 50 runs more” however expressed hope that 370 runs can be sufficient.
“There is definitely a result. England have said that openly. That gives us the opportunity to take wickets. It is a tricky pitch. I didn’t feel set at all while batting. It has taken a beating and it may break even more”.
