KL Rahul Reflects on Batting Order Changes and Recent Success in England Test Series
KL Rahul Discusses Batting Order Adjustments
KL Rahul, a seasoned player for Team India, has shared insights regarding the frequent shifts in his batting position over recent years, particularly after his impressive century against England during the first Test of the five-match series at Headingley, Leeds.
With the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, Rahul returned to the top order, a role where he initially found success in red-ball cricket. In recent years, he has been moved around the batting lineup as the team sought flexibility following Rishabh Pant's absence due to injuries from a serious car accident in January 2023.
In Pant's absence, Rahul not only filled in the middle order but also took on wicketkeeping responsibilities, demonstrating his versatility when the team required it most.
KL Rahul's Thoughts on His Batting Position
‘I've forgotten what my position is’
During a press conference after Day 4 of the Headingley Test, KL Rahul acknowledged that he has lost track of his batting position but minimized its effect on his performance. He stated, “In the last couple of years, I've forgotten what my position is and what I'm comfortable doing. I'm happy to take on different responsibilities and roles,” as reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
He further added, “It makes the game exciting and motivates me to challenge myself, train harder, and refine my skills. I've genuinely enjoyed this experience.”
Just one of many KLassic skills in his arsenal... 🤌 #SonySportsNetwork #GroundTumharaJeetHamari #ENGvIND #NayaIndia #DhaakadIndia #TeamIndia | @KLRahul pic.twitter.com/ef88xcYiNM
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) June 23, 2025
KL Rahul's Role in Recent Series
In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, KL Rahul played both at the top and middle order for Team India. He opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test in Perth while Rohit Sharma was on paternity leave for the birth of his second child. Upon Rohit's return, Rahul was moved to the middle order for three Tests in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
Rahul was again elevated to the top order after Rohit opted out of the final Test against Australia in Sydney.
Enjoying the Top Order Role in England
Rahul Happy to Play at the Top Order in England Test Series
The experienced Indian batter expressed his satisfaction with playing at the top order, recalling his enjoyment of opening the innings in recent matches, a role he embraced during his early cricketing career.
“In the last couple of series, my role has been to open the batting, and I've enjoyed that,” KL Rahul mentioned. “This is something I did growing up, and all my early years as a cricketer were spent opening the batting. So, I'm pleased to be back in that role and contributing to the team,” he added.
KL Rahul showcased his skills in the ongoing first Test against England at Headingley. After scoring 42 in the first innings, he rebounded with a remarkable 137 off 247 balls, forming a vital 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Rishabh Pant, who scored 118 off 140 balls in the second innings.
Rahul has now scored three Test centuries in England, making him the first Indian opener to achieve this milestone, surpassing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Vijay Merchant, Ravi Shastri, and Rahul Dravid, who each scored two centuries on English soil.
KL Rahul boasts an impressive Test record against England, accumulating 793 runs, including three centuries and one fifty, at an average of 39.65 across 20 innings.