Subhayan Chakraborty in Perth
KL Rahul has often found himself at the receiving end of social media criticism. Trolls, especially from the IPL generation, have made life tough for him online due to his perceived lack of ‘intent’ in the shortest format of the game. However, Rahul has somewhat been India’s rescuer in the longest format, particularly in overseas conditions. Yes, fans might point to his Test average of 34.29, which doesn’t quite reflect his talent. Yet, one can’t overlook that some of India’s finest overseas Test innings in recent times have come from Rahul’s bat. Even on Saturday, while Yashasvi Jaiswal’s unbeaten 90 might grab the headlines, Rahul’s contribution will likely go unnoticed.
Rahul fell prey to a controversial decision in the first innings when TV umpire Richard Illingworth overturned the on-field ‘not-out’ decision despite the evidence being not conclusive. After grinding through 74 deliveries for 26 runs in testing conditions at Optus Stadium in Perth, Rahul appeared the most assured with the bat, playing the ball late, with soft hands, and keeping his bat close to his body — a technique reminiscent of Cheteshwar Pujara’s successful approach in Australia. On Saturday, Rahul elevated his game, showcasing his leadership and experience by blunting the new Kookaburra ball while also mentoring Jaiswal, who had scored a duck in the first innings, through their unbroken 172-run partnership.
There’s been much discussion about Virat Kohli’s leadership in setting fields and supporting Jasprit Bumrah, but Rahul has been a quiet leader, managing the ball and even engaging with some bowlers. His leadership was particularly evident while, as he calmed Jaiswal with hand gestures and timely communication. Rahul didn’t overly interfere, allowing his junior partner to play his natural game. Yet, he provided guidance against the testing lines from bowlers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, even as the Australians seemed somewhat desperate in their bowling strategy compared to the first innings.
It might have been due to the 46-run lead they conceded or the intense heat during the afternoon session, but the Australians bowled shorter in the second innings. Only 3.3 per cent of deliveries in the first 30 overs were full, a significant drop from the 16.9 per cent in the first innings. Rahul’s patient approach further frustrated the Australian team. Both Jaiswal and Rahul displayed an array of strokes, but the latter’s straight drive off Cummins in the 13th over was particularly elegant.
In the last seven Tests, Rahul has batted in four different positions, attesting his adaptability. He scored arguably his finest Test century at No. 6 in Centurion followed by an impressive 86 at No. 4 in Hyderabad, before returning to No. 6 and now opening in Perth.
Moreover, Rahul’s value in overseas conditions is priceless. He has the highest number of 100-plus opening partnerships in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries over the last one decade. This match also marked India’s highest opening partnership in a Test in Perth, across both WACA and Optus Stadium.
Rahul’s technique was impeccable; he went back and across against the pacers and stood deep against Nathan Lyon to counter extra bounce. There were instances when the ball just kissed the edge of his bat but fell short of the slip cordon, thanks to him playing with soft hands.
His batting not only bodes well for Team India for the rest of the series but also serves as an invaluable lesson for young batsmen on how to play in overseas conditions.