KL Rahul was left frustrated after missing out on a well-deserved fifty in the first innings of the opening Test against England. A small mistake in focus cost him his wicket just when he was looking set. But in the second innings, he made sure not to repeat it. Rahul came back strongly and played a brilliant knock, scoring 137 runs from 247 balls, helping India post a huge target of 371 runs for England to chase in the series opener.
KL Rahul – A Trusted Performer on Foreign Soil
At 33, Rahul has become one of India’s most reliable batsmen overseas, with Test centuries to his name in Australia, South Africa, and England. This latest century at Headingley was his third on English soil, proving once again that he’s at his best when the team needs him the most.
KL Rahul, usually an opener, has often been moved around the batting order, even down to number six, especially with rising stars like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal in the mix. After a spell of uncertainty, he regained his spot at the top during the last Australia tour when Rohit Sharma missed the first Test.
Rahul impressed everyone with his solid batting, so much so that when Rohit Sharma returned for the next match, he had to bat lower down the order.
KL Rahul Takes A Subtle Dig At The Previous Management?
Speaking to reporters after the fourth day of the Leeds Test, Rahul admitted that while he enjoyed taking on different roles for the team, he sometimes forgot what his actual position was. Many felt this was a subtle jab at the previous team management for constantly shifting him around.
“In the last couple of years, I’ve forgotten what my position is and what I am comfortable doing. I’m happy to be given different responsibilities and roles. It makes the game exciting and makes me want to challenge myself and train that much harder. I have quite enjoyed doing that,” said KL Rahul.
The Karnataka batter also said that being back at the top of the order has made him feel settled and happy with his role, and he’s glad to contribute to the team’s success.
“The last couple of series, my role has been to open the batting. That is something that I did growing up and in my early career. I am happy that I am back doing that and I am happy that I am doing the job for the team,” he added.
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Meanwhile, England made a steady start to their chase, finishing the day at 21 without losing a wicket. They still need 350 runs to win on the final day.
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