Mixed reactions follow as KL Rahul joins list of middle-order Test back-ups for India

The recent turn of events in the Indian touring camp could pave way for KL Rahul’s re-entry into the Test playing XI after two years. Reports suggest, Rahul is being considered as a backup middle-order option for the five-match series against England, starting August 4. Rahul, who has played most of his previous 36 Tests […]
 
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Mixed reactions follow as KL Rahul joins list of middle-order Test back-ups for India

The recent turn of events in the Indian touring camp could pave way for KL Rahul’s re-entry into the Test playing XI after two years. Reports suggest, Rahul is being considered as a backup middle-order option for the five-match series against England, starting August 4.

Rahul, who has played most of his previous 36 Tests as an opening batsman, is now being looked at as a middle-order alternative alongside Hanuma Vihari. This seems to be the most clear implication of team management’s reported actions.

Despite the presence of Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran among the standbys, skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri have asked for Prithvi Shaw and another alternative opener from the selection committee to fill the void left after Shubman Gill’s injury.

While that obviously wouldn’t be a news too appeasing for Easwaran, Rahul wouldn’t mind the inclusion of extra opening batsmen in the reckoning as it brings him closer to playing Test cricket for India again.

Over time, KL Rahul has moulded himself into a more freeflowing and attacking player, in complete contrast to the solid defensive operator that first batted for India. The change in his modus operanda has also led to a technical decline, something evident through his numbers before he was dropped. Rahul made only 578 runs at 22.23 in his last 15 Tests before being left out of the Indian Test side.

Mixed reactions follow as KL Rahul joins list of middle-order Test back-ups for India

But the lack of strong performances seems to have not hindered the Indian selection panel’s trust on Rahul’s ability as he was recalled in the squad for last winter’s Australia tour despite no first-class performances to show for his improvement.

Given his promise, the team management wishes to give Rahul every possible opportunity to revive his Test career, even if it means changing their hierarchy and dropping him down the order.

Mixed reactions follow as KL Rahul joins list of middle-order Test back-ups for India

KL Rahul last played a Test match for India in August 2019 (pic courtesy: Twitter)

KL Rahul the middle-order Test batsman: Yay or Nay?

The reactions have been mixed about the possibility of KL Rahul becoming India’s backup middle-order option. While some don’t find him an ideal fit into the Test playing XI anymore, few are willing for him to be given a second opportunity to fulfil his potential.

For some, it’s a prudent call given Rahul’s talent. While for others, it’s unfair on other proven domestic performers that he has been handed a comeback over them.

Those in preference of playing Rahul believe that his positive batsmanship can help India put the pressure back on the opposition and dictate terms. Which is in stark contrast to the view held by others that Rahul’s inclusion would reduce India’s solidity.