Ahmedabad: If you observe KL Rahul during training sessions, you’ll often see him, after his own practice, offering guidance to Yashasvi Jaiswal and other budding Indian batters. He has quietly taken on a mentor’s mantle, even without an official title like captain or vice-captain.
This isn’t a new development. Back in Australia, when the team desperately needed an opener due to skipper Rohit Sharma’s absence for the first Test in Perth last November, Rahul willingly stepped up from his usual number six position. This unexpected move accidentally led to a highly effective opening partnership for India.
On Thursday, as India kicked off their home Test season against the West Indies, the excellent performance by the bowlers needed to be matched by the batsmen. After Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Kuldeep Yadav combined magnificently to dismiss West Indies for a mere 162, a secure and solid start from India’s openers was absolutely essential.
Rahul and Jaiswal’s 68-run partnership unfolded in almost two distinct phases. Their stand, marking their fifth fifty-plus partnership in just nine Tests, began cautiously. In the first 12 overs, they managed only 23 runs; Rahul contributed 18, while Jaiswal, typically an aggressive and fluid batter, was exceptionally watchful, scoring just 4 off 36 deliveries.
At times, the young Mumbai southpaw appeared to be hitting the ball too hard, leading to timing errors. Having played only one red-ball match, the Duleep Trophy semi-finals, since the England tour, Jaiswal’s lack of recent match practice was evident.
Rahul was frequently seen stepping down the pitch to speak with the left-hander, gently urging him to remain calm and assuring him that scoring opportunities and boundaries would come. A 22-minute rain interruption proved beneficial as Jaiswal suddenly found his rhythm and began playing more freely. Had he not been dismissed attempting to cut a delivery that was slightly too close, their significant 68-run partnership could have been even larger.
During India’s two pre-Test training sessions here, whenever Jaiswal was batting, Rahul would often offer a word or two from the adjacent net, sharing his observations. This mentoring dynamic had also been observed in Australia.
This current Indian team is in a period of transition, marking the first time they are playing a home Test without established stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin. With a young captain, Shubman Gill, at the helm and India investing in a new number three, Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul’s consistent presence and solidity as an opener hold immense value for the team.
Fresh from an impressive 176 not out for India A against Australia A in Lucknow, which helped them successfully chase a record 412 in the fourth innings, Rahul displayed composure while defending and decisiveness when stepping out to face spin. His only challenge came at the day’s close with a cramp behind his knee.
With a good night’s rest, he will be aiming to convert his unbeaten 53 into a much larger score, hoping to shed his reputation for being modest at home and more prolific overseas.