March 5, 2025
What's the story:
KL Rahul has spoken openly about his comfort and flexibility when it comes to batting at various positions in the order. Recently, Rahul, who helped India secure a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy final, shared his thoughts on transitioning from a settled No. 5 spot to a new role at No. 6. This move was part of a strategy to bring variety to India's batting lineup ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Adaptability:
Rahul highlighted his adaptability and preparation for the new batting role, emphasizing his experience of batting across different positions. Since 2020, he has maintained an impressive average of 57.26 in the middle order (positions 4-7), which shows his ability to adjust to varying situations. "I'm quite used to going up and down the order, so I'm just happy getting a chance to play in the middle," he said in a post-match interview with Star Sports after India's win.
Uncertainty:
On the uncertainty surrounding his role in the team, Rahul reflected on his consistency despite the frequent changes. He mentioned his steady performance at No. 5 since 2020, adding that people often forget his contributions at this position. Rahul also credited Rohit Sharma for his unwavering support throughout his career, which has helped him stay confident and versatile.
Strategy:
In the semi-final match against Australia, Rahul faced a slow pitch that aided spin. Despite this, he took calculated risksevery over, particularly when Virat Kohli was in control at the other end. His strategic approach worked well, as he scored an unbeaten 42 off 34 balls, propelling India into the final.
Statistics:
- Middle-order stats (since 2020): Rahul has accumulated 1,947 runs from 51 matches (46 innings) at an average of 57.26, with 12 fifties and 4 centuries.
- Landmarks: Rahul also achieved significant milestones during the India vs Australia match, becoming the third-fastest Indian to reach 3,000 ODI runs. He reached the mark in just 78 innings, with only Shikhar Dhawan (72 innings) and Virat Kohli (75 innings) achieving it faster. Additionally, he crossed 5,000 List A runs in the same match.