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KL Rahul, an Indian batsman and wicketkeeper, responded to the discussion around his batting position by highlighting his versatility in the middle order. Remarkably, on Tuesday, March 4, Rahul scored an undefeated 42* from 34 balls to help India defeat Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final in Dubai.
An essential component of the ODI lineup, especially in the middle order, has been the right-hand batter. He has blasted wonderfully since assuming the No. 5 spot in 2020, averaging 61.52, which is more than any other player in that position with at least 20 innings. His optimal position is still a topic of discussion despite his performances, particularly when the team tries different batting orders.
The Men in Blue made adjustments ahead of the Champions Trophy to disrupt the right-handed hitters’ sequence, moving Axar Patel up to No. 5 and pushing KL Rahul down to No. 6. Rahul has adjusted to the shift and improved his finishing skills. The batsman responded to the discussion over his batting position and his involvement after India’s triumph in the semi-finals.
“I won’t lie, I genuinely [love] batting at the top. After facing that attack in Australia and opening the batting in Test matches [during the previous series], that is why. Red-ball [cricket] is also much more difficult, you know. I opened the batting there, so it seems a little weird to come here and bat low, but this is how I’ve played white-ball cricket for the past four or five years.
Since 2020, I believe, I have batted at number five, and many people are unaware that I have been doing so. When I play in a series and then there’s a lull in ODI cricket or ODI series, and we return after four or five months, the question “oh well, will he play in the XI, where does he fit?” comes up again, and sometimes I sit there wondering what else I can do. Rahul told Star Sports, “I feel like I’ve fulfilled my role wherever I’ve been asked to play, regardless of what Rohit [Sharma] has told me.”
One chance per over, one boundary, or one six had to be taken: KL Rahul
KL Rahul also discussed the rumours surrounding his position in the starting lineup. During the 2024 Sri Lanka tour, the 32-year-old batted at number six and said that he understood his role in the squad. For those who are not familiar, The team needed 86 runs off 15 overs in the semi-final when Rahul entered the game following the dismissal of Axar Patel.
After Virat Kohli (84) left, Australia sought a chance, but the Karnataka batsman and Hardik Pandya completed the task for the team. He made sure India easily accomplished the target by taking measured chances against Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, and Tanveer Sangha.
“I’m quite used to going up and down the order, so I’m just happy getting a chance to play in the middle and whatever role is given, I think it’s really helped me understand my game a lot more and I’ve had to work on boundary-hitting a lot more in the last year or so, because the last ODI we played in Sri Lanka I batted at No. 6, so I knew that’s where I’ll be batting and [we] needed a left-hander in the top order,” Rahul stated.
India
