The two-match Test series between India and Bangladesh is set to begin on September 19, and both teams are gearing up for the challenge. As tensions rise, Indian captain Rohit Sharma addressed the media, fielding questions about players like KL Rahul and Sarfaraz Khan. During the conference, Rohit openly backed Rahul, praising his contributions to the team. Yet, one must ponder why KL Rahul’s place in the squad comes under scrutiny before almost every series. As passionate Indian cricket fans, we sometimes unfairly target Rahul, who, despite being labeled a ‘soft target’ in recent years, has often silenced his critics through tremendous performances on the field.
KL Rahul: The ‘Crisis Man’ of Team India
KL Rahul made his Test debut in 2014 at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), quickly establishing himself as a promising talent with a century in his first series at Sydney. Early on, he was lauded as the next Virat Kohli, but his journey has been fraught with challenges. Dropped from the Test team during the 2018 England tour due to a dip in form, Rahul faced significant backlash, not just in Tests but in the limited-overs format as well. However, when given an opportunity during the 2019 World Cup in the wake of Shikhar Dhawan’s injury, he showcased his abilities, amassing 361 runs, with two half-centuries and a century to his name, making him one of the highest run-scorers in the tournament.
Despite his stellar performances, particularly during the 2021 T20 World Cup when the team faced elimination, the blame was unjustly heaped upon Rahul while the whole squad underperformed. This trend continued into the 2022 T20 World Cup, where again, criticism fell squarely on his shoulders. Even after facing a setback—being dropped from the 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team—critics suggested India’s success was due to his absence, a notion that overlooks the contributions he has consistently made when in form.
Proving His Worth as a Wicketkeeper-Batsman
The unfortunate injury to Rishabh Pant earlier this year created openings for various contenders vying for the wicketkeeper position. Upon returning to the fray, Rahul was told that to secure a spot, he must take up wicketkeeping. Rising to the occasion, he delivered excellent performances behind the stumps while also proving his worth with the bat, stepping up as a middle-order batsman in ODIs—a position that presented its unique challenges as he contended with established openers like Rohit and Shubman. Rahul’s ability to adapt has seen him emerge as India’s specialist finisher in this format.
An Anchor in Challenging Times
In recent years, Team India has heavily relied on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and if they fail to fire, the batting order seems devoid of reliability. Rahul has shown time and again that he can anchor the innings; during the World Cup final and other critical matches, he has provided hope when the team needed it most. His recent performances against South Africa and in the Duleep Trophy, particularly where he faced tough conditions, demonstrate his resilience and ability to convert pressure into performance, especially in spin-friendly scenarios, which will be crucial against Bangladesh.
The Misfortune of Injuries
When discussing KL Rahul, one must acknowledge the role of misfortune and injuries in his career. Despite consistently proving his mettle, injuries have plagued him at crucial times, limiting his participation. Rahul’s injuries during the 2016-17 West Indies tour and the 2018 England tour when he was in formidable form have left fans questioning the fairness of his circumstances. Citing instances like his suspension following a controversial TV appearance in 2019 only adds to the narrative of an athlete who has faced undue challenges off the field.
A Journey Still Underway
There’s no denying that KL Rahul is a remarkable talent and his record, especially while playing abroad, speaks volumes about his capabilities. His performances have earned him respect; even Rohit Sharma’s affirmation of his skills indicates the level at which he operates. Yet, despite these accolades, there remains a significant challenge ahead—consistency. Just as Virat Kohli was scrutinized after a lean patch, Rahul must realize that maintaining performance over time is crucial for his evolution from a talented player to a cricketing legend.
As the upcoming series against Bangladesh approaches, KL Rahul’s path is intertwined with the team’s fortunes. With the adage “consistency is key” echoing in every cricket fan’s mind, all eyes will be on Rahul to not only contribute but redefine his narrative as a cornerstone of the Indian batting lineup.
