With KL Rahul at No.6, India look to bigger picture in Tests: Hanuma Vihari

India veteran Hanuma Vihari believes KL Rahul’s position at No.6 in the batting order is part of a larger strategy for India’s upcoming tour of Australia. After an absence of almost seven months from the Test arena, Rahul’s much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket did not set the scene on fire. Rahul failed to impress with the bat, scoring 16 and an unbeaten 22 in Chennai against Bangladesh.

Vihar explained that Rahul’s experience is key, especially when dealing with challenging situations like facing the second new ball or stabilizing the team during a slump. Vihari pointed out that Rahul has performed well in the SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia), which is why the team management values ​​his experience for this crucial middle-order role, even though his record in India may be less impressive.

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“I wouldn’t say it will be his last Test match because they are looking at a bigger picture, that’s what I feel playing against KL Rahul at No. 6. They have a plan in mind. They want experience at number six when we tour Australia because in Australia when you play at six you have to be good whether you face a second new ball or a collapse earlier. You need someone with experience to go out there and counter that and KL Rahul has done that in the past in SENA especially in countries, I know his numbers in SENA countries are really good compared to Indian conditions which it is surprising with the quality that KL Rahul has, but that is what they are watching,” Hanuma Vihari, expert, JioCinema & Sports18, told Indiatoday. .in interaction.

Vihari noted that Rahul may not always be the flashy, aggressive batsman, but when he settles into his groove, he becomes the player who can anchor an innings, especially under pressure. This is the version of Rahul that India will be hoping emerges when they face tougher tests, especially during their tour of Australia.

Since his Test debut in 2014, Rahul’s career has been a story of flashes of brilliance tempered by long periods of inconsistency. In 51 Tests, he has scored 2901 runs at an average of 34.12. Those are solid numbers, but for a player of Rahul’s caliber and reputation, it feels like his career stats don’t reflect his true potential.

He has largely played as an opener – 75 innings to be exact – where he has amassed 2,551 runs at an average of 34.94, including seven centuries. Yet, despite some notable performances, he hasn’t made the starting slot his own. As a mid-range player, his numbers are scattered across positions. His brief stint at No.3 yielded just 88 runs in five innings and while he scored a solitary fifty at No.4, the No.6 position now seems to be calling his name. Rahul has played six innings at No.6, scoring 154 runs, but this could be the position that offers him a fresh start and a solid future in the Indian line-up.

“RAHUL WILL CEMENT HIS PLACE”

“I feel like the management of the team and the selectors, someone at number six to lead the team if there are problems or to play the second new ball and take it forward from there. Obviously he needs to score runs to support the team’s decision He also started well, in the second game in the last game, unfortunately, he didn’t have enough time to get a big score or a significant score, but I’m sure in Kanpur the wicket is good when there is an opportunity. come, he will go big and cement his place at number six, which is important for Team India when they tour Down Under,” Vihari added.

Rahul’s comeback was not only marked by his performance in Chennai; there were previous signs of rust and recovery in his Duleep Trophy appearance for India A. In his first outing, his 111-ball-37 was criticized for his conservative approach. In a world where aggressive batting is prized, Rahul’s hesitancy to take the initiative at key moments has caused trouble. However, in the second innings of the same match, he found some redemption, making a brutal 57 off 121 balls as his side crumbled around him. Although India A eventually lost to India B, Rahul’s ability to hold his ground in tough situations hinted at his resilience.

India’s middle order is often seen as the backbone of their success in Tests, and Rahul’s ability to slot in at No.6 could provide balance to the line-up, especially in overseas conditions. With Rishabh Pant at No.5 and all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin behind him, Rahul could bat in a more relaxed and stable environment. This role will allow him to build his innings without the pressure of opening, while also being well-positioned to handle the second new ball – an area where his technique and experience can come in handy.