Subhayan Chakraborty in Mumbai
Indian cricketers are always under the microscope, and criticism comes thick and fast when players are not having consistent returns. Over the last few years, players like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill have been the mainstay in the middle order and all of them have gone through their fair share of criticism when not on song. Now, the spotlight shifts to KL Rahul, who is in a contest with Sarfaraz Khan for the crucial No. 6 batting position, especially with India’s upcoming five-Test series against Australia around the corner.
A win in the Mumbai Test against New Zealand is paramount, as India’s chances for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final are at stake following their twin losses to the Kiwis. India simply cannot afford to lose. As was the case in Pune, there is a direct showdown between Rahul and Sarfaraz for the number six spot in Mumbai with slight focus also on the Australia tour.
KL Rahul, having returned to the middle order after a stint at the top from 2015-2022, finds himself competing with Sarfaraz Khan, who has been impressive with the bat, and is a man in form. The Mumbai Test, crucial for India’s WTC prospects, will be a battleground for this selection duel. Sarfaraz edged out Rahul in Pune following a magnificent 150 in Bengaluru, but his scores of 11 and 9 might open the door for Rahul’s return.
This situation presents a dilemma for the Indian team management. Should they stick with Sarfaraz, given his promising start in Test cricket, or reintegrate Rahul, considering his experience, especially ahead of the tough Australian series where his experience might be invaluable?
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Rahul’s first stint at No. 6 was during his Test debut against Australia at the MCG, where he scored only 3. However, in Sydney, he made a notable 110 as an opener. His most recent significant score at No. 6 was a brilliant 101 against South Africa at Centurion. Since then, his performance has been inconsistent, with scores of 4, 8, 16, 22*, 68, 0 and 12. In-between, there are scores of 86 and 22 at number four against England with Virat Kohli missing. Notably, Rahul in Australia, mostly as an opener, has scored 187 runs in nine innings at an average of 20.77.
With doubts over Sarfaraz’s ability to handle the high quality pace attack of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, especially on a bouncy Perth track, Rahul could be a likely starter there. But does an average of 20 justify the backing, even though it came at the top of the order? However, Rahul’s ability to play on the rise, range of strokes and experience are key traits. To negate the second new ball is something Rahul, a natural opener, can come handy at. Sarfaraz looked shaky when the Black Caps took the second new ball in Bengaluru and made him sweat despite him nearing his 150 at that time.
For the immediate future, in Mumbai, it is a faceoff between between Sarfaraz’s flair, backed by his domestic dominance and impactful performances like twin fifties against England and stellar 150 against New Zealand, and Rahul’s experience, having been a part of the national team for a decade and even having captained the Test side, which could just pip him ahead of Sarfaraz in Perth as well.
Sarfaraz knows the Wankhede Stadium well, having played there all his life, which could play to his advantage in the Mumbai Test. Despite a poor showing in Pune, his form cannot be ignored. While boosting Rahul’s confidence for the Australia tour is important, sidelining Sarfaraz after just one off game would seem unjust.
India will start preparing from Wednesday for the third and final Test in Mumbai and all eyes will be on Rahul and Sarfaraz as the hosts look to salvage some pride in the third Test.
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