Just over three years ago, KL Rahul seemed to have touched a rarefied zone in an ODI against Australia in Rajkot. It wasn’t just about the 80 runs he scored off just 52 deliveries. But the way he compiled those runs spoke of a batter who was supremely confident of his ability.
The hair-raising lofted shot he played off Mitchell Starc over covers exemplified that point. Such was the audacity on display while facing one of the finest white ball bowlers that even the press box in which I was sitting erupted in joy. Right at that juncture, it looked like India had found a finisher for the 2023 World Cup. A batter who could switch gears and land the big shots while facing hit-the-deck bowling. Rahul was also tidy behind the stumps in that game. He had the additional duty of taking over the gloves as Rishabh Pant was laid low by concussion.
Time flies. The 50-over World Cup is set to begin in another month. In that backdrop, it is a bit intriguing to note that Rahul is still competing for a spot in the middle order. Granted that injuries haven’t helped. In his defence, Rahul did notch up a couple of crucial fifties in the ODIs against Australia and Sri Lanka in tricky conditions this year. Yet, it is safe to say Rahul has lost that bit of adventure he had in his game.
Rahul’s strike rate has been questioned enough times, especially in the T20 format. The experienced cricketer had once said at an event, “I think strike rate is over-rated. But it depends upon the demand, like if you chase 140 – you don’t need to go with 200 strike rate – it depends upon the current situation.” It is true the ODI format isn’t as dynamic as T20s, and the batter can take a bit of time before pressing the accelerator. In that context, the format suits Rahul.
Rahul has one more problem to tackle – Injuries. Earlier in the year, he had to go under the knife to treat a quadriceps injury. Unfortunately, just before the Asia Cup, he suffered a minor groin injury and was ruled out for the opening two games.
Incidentally, after being adjudged the Man of the Match in a game versus Sri Lanka this year, Rahul had noted: “I have had a few injuries in my short career. I have realised it’s very difficult to come back from an injury straight into international cricket.”
In his absence, Ishan Kishan crunched a superlative 82 versus Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup. For now, though, Rahul seems to have the full backing of the management. From Rahul’s point of view, it would be better if he regains that bit of mojo.