With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired, KL Rahul now confidently embraces the responsibilities expected of him in Indian cricket’s future.
KL Rahul: Embracing Versatility While Finding Inner Peace
Look at KL Rahul today, and you see a player at peace with himself—confident, clear about his role, and mentally free to harness his abundant talent. This calm clarity has not always been his reality.
Known as one of the most versatile and adaptable batsmen of his generation,KL Rahul’s flexibility has often come at a cost. Whether stepping in as a wicketkeeper-batter at No. 6 during Rishabh Pant’s recovery, filling the No. 4 slot when Virat Kohli was on paternity leave, or opening the innings in Rohit Sharma’s absence, Rahul has taken on every challenge.
While being multi-skilled is an asset, Rahul admits it sometimes blurred his sense of a fixed position. “In the last couple of years, I’ve forgotten what my (batting) position is,” he revealed shortly after scoring his ninth Test century against England. Yet, ever the professional, he quickly added, “I’m happy to be given different responsibilities and roles. It makes the game exciting and pushes me to challenge myself and improve.”
Clarity, calm and command: KL Rahul steps up as India’s Test anchor
As Indian cricket transitions into a new era with the retirement of legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, KL Rahul has found clarity and confidence in his role as an opener—the position he’s most comfortable in and has occupied for much of his career. The impact of this role-clarity was evident during the first Test at Headingley.
While Rishabh Pant stole the headlines with his rare feat of twin centuries—a testament to his explosive and unpredictable brilliance—Rahul played a different, equally crucial role. Where Pant was fire and flair, Rahul was steely calm and unyielding. His composed 137-run innings showcased masterful concentration and an ability to erase each ball from memory, enabling him to consistently outclass England’s bowling attack. Rahul’s tally of three Test hundreds as an opener in England is the highest by any Indian, underscoring his expertise in challenging overseas conditions. Remarkably, eight of his nine centuries have come away from home, including six in the tough SENA countries.
With 59 Tests to his name—the most among India’s specialist batters—Rahul brings vast experience across diverse conditions worldwide. At Headingley, he took on a leadership mantle, guiding younger teammates like Yashasvi Jaiswal (with whom he shared big stands in Perth and Leeds), new captain Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, and Karun Nair. Rahul’s calm presence and man-management skills shone as he supported his partners, using his multilingual ability to communicate effortlessly and keep the team focused without adding pressure.
Even Rahul himself expressed admiration for Pant’s daring style: “You just stand there and admire and sometimes scratch your head about the shot selection and the outrageous cricket that he plays. He’s a unique, unique player, you just let him be.” Though Pant’s brilliance dazzles, Rahul’s own unique steadiness and maturity are increasingly becoming the bedrock India needs to thrive in the future.