Transformation of KL Rahul

 

 

Let’s take a look at his journey so far on his birthday! Previously, in his initial stages of career, the Mangalorean did well in the Tests matches but what went after that was a prolonged slump. The lack of confidence and insecurity against the likes of Dhawan and Sharma led him into that slump.

 

 

 

The 28-year-old was looking good and making progress in T20I format as he had scored two tons in 2018 but it was shaky afterwards as he was suspended by BCCI and was sent back to India from Australia for his comments on a TV show. He even started to question his cricket for a while.

 

However, Rahul was in the playing XI for the World Cup 2019. It was like a see-saw scenario for Rahul as he showcased a performance that was not at all bad in World Cup 2019. He scored his maiden century against Sri Lanka and two fifties as an opening batsman which went in favor of India. However, the uncertainty still existed due to inconsistency in his batting and he was also lacking in his wicket-keeping skills as lack of confidence was pulling him off in performing well. 

 

 

Rahul’s place in the batting order was also a matter of debate for quite some time. No one denied the fact that he had talent but it is not the concern in the current cricket world. The consistency mattered the most in cricket. If consistent performances are displayed on the crease, the presence will be felt automatically and Rahul has been successful now in doing so.

 

Take the example of the India Tour of New Zealand! In the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, Rahul continued his excellent form and finished the series as the highest-scoring batsman with 224 runs in 5 matches at an average of 56, including two half-centuries in his pocket. On the other hand, in ODI, he showcased good glovework behind the stumps scoring 204 runs in three matches against Kiwis. He smashed one century and a fifty at a bewildering average of 100.

 

 

Let’s take a look back in January this year. Rahul was scoring runs against the feisty Aussie bowlers leading his side to a score of 340 with his knock of 52-ball 80. The reason that this innings of him was special because of the position he has batted in. He had batted at five, which isn't his regular position in the batting order for any batsman.

 

Even the skipper Virat Kohli could not hold back while complimenting him. “Rahul really brings in good balance… He has come into the slot and he has done well, so we will have to persist with that a little bit and see where that takes us and not necessarily be confused about the other options we have.”

 

The player who can in all formats is boon for the national team and Rahul is the boon now. Wondering why he was not selected in the New Zealand test series as he was in great form. Plus, he has this power-hitting capability in the IPL. Remember he had smashed 659 runs in 14 IPL games at an average of over 50. He even scored his maiden century in the first T20I against England in 2018.

 

Rahul, who started out as an opener, seems to have grown accustomed to playing in the middle order which was the major development felt when you this lad batting. He can now play at any position given to him. Isn’t that the biggest asset for the team? This has changed him upside down and made him into a versatile cricketer. Be it sharing opening the game with Rohit Sharma or batting in the middle order or keeping wickets for his side.