KL Rahul is one of the most versatile batsmen around. The 32-year-old has moved up and down the order between formats and has looked comfortable in any batting position. He hit the dot with a lower order from the opening position.
Recently, he stepped in to open the batting in place of Rohit Sharma for the first Test between Australia and India in Perth. Rahul did well in both halves and looked comfortable with the new ball.
His performance has now created a selection dilemma in the Indian team as Rohit Sharma plans to return for the second Test in Adelaide. Former Australia wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist believes that even if Rohit returns for the next game, it will be difficult to drop Rahul.
Will KL Rahul be dropped for Rohit Sharma? Adam Gilchrist speaks
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Adam Gilchrist spoke about India’s selection dilemma for the opening slot after KL Rahul’s brilliant performance as an opener in Perth. Gilchrist feels that while Rohit is expected to open in the next Test, it will be a tough call to drop Rahul now.
“It’s pure speculation at the moment, but I think one thing we do know is that we’ve hit KL Rahul, he’s versatile enough to feel any number of roles and if he’s left out after what he’s achieved in this series, it’s going to be a tough exit.” said Gilchrist.
“It would be a tough call, but you would think they would do it if they felt they made the Indian team stronger for it,” he said.
KL Rahul’s performance in Perth
KL Rahul scored 74 off 26 balls in the first innings of the Perth Test and looked a class apart from the rest of the Indian batsmen against some fine Australian bowling. But he was controversially fired.
In the second innings, he secured the long shot and scored a fine 77 off 176 balls with 5 fours to his name. Rahul put on a record partnership of 201 runs for the first wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal and helped India reach a strong position.
Adam Gilchrist talks about India’s performance
Adam Gilchrist also touched on India’s turnaround in Perth after a horrendous Test series against New Zealand in which they lost 0-3. He claimed that India will be spoiled for choice when Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma return, but it’s a nice problem to have.
“What a headache it is to be in a two-day series. We come here after dumping New Zealand 3-0 and there’s a bit of panic and chaos and uncertainty and they go underground for ten days. All of a sudden we’re spoiled for choice here for India explained Gilchrist.
“There is a lot to play for from now on. We have to see what happens with Shubman Gill and how quickly he recovers from that injury. What is Rohit’s mindset when he comes on, does he come and give himself a bit more time? Are you ready for the third Test at the Gabba, say? note did
Meanwhile, India have strengthened their grip on the ongoing Test in Perth with some fine bowling and batting performances so far. After 150 in the first innings, the Men in Blue bowled out the Aussies for just 104, securing a lead of 46 runs.
Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul forged a historic partnership in the second innings to put Australia behind with a double-century partnership.
