Team India’s opening batter KL Rahul has emerged as one of the standout performers in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series against England, having racked up 375 runs from three Tests. His exploits include two centuries and a fifty, placing him fourth on the list of top run-scorers in the series so far, according to the official ICC website.
Rahul’s form has drawn high praise from former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who analyzed his transformation in the latest edition of The ICC Review.
“There was not one person in the world who denied his potential… What annoyed people was, with that kind of talent, he was not delivering,” said Shastri. “And in this series, you’re seeing the best of Rahul.”
Technical Tweaks Behind Rahul’s Renaissance
Shastri credited Rahul’s resurgence to a subtle technical adjustment:
“What I am seeing is a slight adjustment he’s made with his front foot — in his stance and while defending,” he explained.
“It just opened up a bit, which allows his bat to come through cleanly… Even when he’s hitting towards mid-wicket, it’s the full face of the blade.”
He added that this change helps Rahul avoid past issues like falling over, getting trapped leg-before, or being bowled while overreaching across the stumps.
Elite Company in England
Rahul’s recent ton at Lord’s made him the joint second-highest century-maker for India in Tests in England with four centuries, trailing only Rahul Dravid (six). With a total of 3,632 runs in Tests at an average of 35.3, including 10 centuries and 18 fifties, Rahul is beginning to reflect the potential long expected of him.
“He’s at His Prime” – Shastri
At 33, Shastri believes the Indian opener is hitting his peak in red-ball cricket:
“He’s at his prime. He has got to make these next three, four years count,” Shastri said.
“I see him getting a lot of hundreds because he’s playing a lot of cricket in India as well. So whatever that average is, he should be close to 50.”
What’s Next
Rahul and Team India now head to Old Trafford, Manchester, for the fourth Test, beginning July 23, where the opener will look to extend his purple patch and push India closer to a series win in the WTC cycle.