KL Rahul is the most trolled cricketer. In the last few months, much has been said about him being given a long rope. And the trolls had an absolute feast going after him for days on end. Injuries haven’t helped, and in 2023, some even rejoiced saying good riddance when he wasn’t available for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. In fact, had it been Rahul instead of KS Bharat, the final could have been a different story. Perth is proof, and how.
Rahul was India’s best batter in the first innings at Perth before he was controversially given out. Against the moving ball in tough batting conditions, he looked composed. Assured in defence, Rahul was willing to look ugly. Even after missing balls, he was smiling. He was aware that such things would happen. At no point was he ready to sacrifice his wicket, and that’s what defined his effort.
The second innings has been even better. India had a 46-run lead and what they most needed was a solid start. Rahul was the more experienced partner and needed to make it count. Stand up to some hostile fast bowling and make a telling statement about intent. With the top order looking uncertain and missing Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma, Rahul had added responsibility.
A few body blows notwithstanding, Rahul looked composed. With Yashasvi Jaiswal showing ample determination, Rahul went about his job with a sense of calm that would have made Gautam Gambhir proud. At no point did he panic. Rather, he was smart. Rotating the strike, pinching the singles and frustrating the Australians, Rahul gradually took India to a position of real strength. And that’s where they scored a mental victory. Make no mistake, 218 runs ahead with 10 wickets in hand at Perth is massive. Another 200 runs, and it could well be India’s game.
KL Rahul was seldom given a settled batting position. More often than not, he has risen to the challenge. The ongoing Perth Test is providing another example.
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— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) November 23, 2024
Stepping up to open again with the skipper not there, taking some good low slip catches, and holding the top order together – Perth has been excellent for KL Rahul. And he isn’t finished yet.
Sample this from 2019. The Indian team had just finished their fielding drills and left for the batting nets, located just outside the Old Trafford ground, on the eve of the Pakistan game in the 2019 World Cup. Only a few of the support staff were still there clearing out the equipment and trying to ensure everything was in order. That’s when I noticed Rahul standing alone just looking at the pitch, which was under covers with all the rain around.
He seemed somewhat lost in thought. As he was doing some stretches, you could sense a very different purpose in his body language. Rahul, clearly, was ready. As the two of us made eye contact and waved to each other in acknowledgement, one could sense he was focussed. This was his chance at redemption, to set things right after the reality-TV-show controversy had threatened to derail his career. He did just that, and set the match up for India.
For the longest time, Rahul has been his own toughest opponent. With an abundance of talent, he has not been able to deal with the weight of expectations. That’s what Rahul needs to win against. All he needs to do is conquer the mental demons, and he would be in full flow like he was at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
Can he power on from here and get India to a lead of over 350? Can Rahul score a second 100 in Australia, to add to the one he made in Sydney in his debut series a decade ago? For his fans, Rahul is penning his own story. And needless to say, it is one of survival. Can there be bigger redemption for Rahul after all that he has been through? Perhaps not, and truth be told, he knows it better than anyone.