Australia, December 4, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau)-KL Rahul knows exactly where he is going to bat for India in the upcoming day-night Test match against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Friday, but he has been instructed by the team management not to reveal this information publicly. This is not an unusual situation. There has been considerable speculation about Rahul’s batting position in the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, especially with the return of captain Rohit Sharma to the squad. Rahul, who missed the last two Tests against New Zealand at home due to Sarfaraz Khan’s in-form performances in the middle order, was asked to open the batting in Perth when Rohit was on paternity leave.
KL Rahul played exceptionally well, scoring a crucial 77 in the second innings to form India’s first-ever 200-plus opening partnership on Australian soil with Yashasvi Jaiswal. He could have replicated a similar performance in the first innings if not for a questionable third umpire decision that ended his innings prematurely, despite him having done all the hard work.
But now that Rohit is back, the opening slot is supposed to go to him. Shubman Gill has also showed good signs of recovering in time to take the No.3 spot. Does that mean, Rahul once again slides down to No.6 after displaying a close to perfect manual for opening in overseas conditions? It seems so. But the Indian think tank wants to keep everyone guessing.
“I have been told (where I would bat), but I have also been told not to share it with you,” Rahul told reporters with a big smile. His body language suggested he was calm and at peace with where he is at. That’s what a good start to a big series can do to your confidence.
Summary: KL Rahul urged Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir to include him in India’s playing XI for the upcoming day-night Test against Australia.