KL Rahul is one of the most versatile batsmen out there. The 32-year-old has been up and down the order in all formats and has looked comfortable in any batting position. He has batted from the opening position to the position in the lower order.
Recently, he was promoted to open the batting in place of Rohit Sharma for the first Test between Australia and India in Perth. Rahul performed excellently in both the innings and looked comfortable with the new ball.
His performance has now created a selection dilemma in the Indian team as Rohit Sharma is scheduled to return for the second Test in Adelaide. Former Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist feels it will be difficult to leave Rahul even if Rohit returns for the next game.
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Will KL Rahul be removed for Rohit Sharma? Adam Gilchrist speaks
While speaking on Cricbuzz, Adam Gilchrist spoke about India’s selection dilemma for the opener after KL Rahul’s brilliant performance in Perth as an opener. Gilchrist reckons it will be difficult to leave out Rahul now, even though Rohit is expected to open in the next Test.
“It’s pure speculation at the moment but I guess the only thing we know is that the point we touched on KL Rahul is versatile enough to feel any number of those roles and if he is left out after what he has achieved in this series , is”. “It’s going to be a tough license,” Gilchrist said.
“It would be a difficult decision, but one would assume that they would only do it if they felt that it strengthened the Indian team,” he added.
KL Rahul’s performance in Perth
KL Rahul scored 26 off 74 balls in the first innings of the Perth Test and looked a class apart from the other Indian batsmen, who struggled against some good Australian bowling. However, he was fired controversially.
In the second innings, he made sure to bat long and scored 77 off 176 balls with 5 fours to his name. Rahul formed a record 201-run first-wicket partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and helped India reach a strong position.
Adam Gilchrist talks about India’s performance
Adam Gilchrist also addressed India’s turnaround in Perth after a horror home Test series against New Zealand, which they lost 0-3. He stated that India will have plenty of options when Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma return, but it is a good problem to have.
“What a headache to have two days of a series. Coming here after a 3-0 loss to New Zealand and there’s a bit of panic, chaos and uncertainty, and they stay underground for ten days in their preparation and suddenly , we have many options that India can have,” Gilchrist explained.
“There is a lot to play for between now and then. We need to see what happens with Shubman Gill and how quickly he can heal that injury. What is Rohit’s mentality when he comes in? Does he come and allow himself a little more time to be prepared for, say, the third test at the Gabba?
Meanwhile, India have tightened their grip on the ongoing Test in Perth with some excellent bowling and batting performances so far. After being bowled out for 150 in the first innings, the Men in Blue defeated the Australians for just 104, thus securing a 46-run lead.
Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul formed a historic partnership in the second innings and put Australia behind with a two-century partnership.