KL Rahul Ahmedabad Test century and recent form have prompted former Team India coach Ravi Shastri to clear the air about a long-standing misconception regarding the batter’s role in the team. Since stepping up as an opener following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Rahul has flourished, proving his mettle at the top of the order.
Rahul began the home season in style, scoring his 11th Test century on Day 2 of the first Test against West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. As he reached his ton, Shastri addressed claims that Rahul has been inconsistent due to frequent shuffling in the batting order.
Shastri presents the facts
“There’s a misconception that he has gone up and down the order. If you actually look at his career, since that Test he opened in 2016 against England, he has opened in 94 innings out of 110 innings in that period,” Shastri explained during commentary before lunch on Day 2.
“So, it is 90 percent of the time he has opened the innings. It’s because of the mix in white-ball cricket that some people get confused,” he added.
Also Read: Ravindra Jadeja hailed as ‘Undisputed No.1’ after Ahmedabad Test century vs West Indies
Rahul’s innings in Ahmedabad
The 33-year-old reached 100 off 197 balls, striking 12 boundaries before losing concentration after lunch and falling to Jomel Warrican. Despite his dismissal, Rahul’s century contributed to India’s commanding position, with Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja also hitting hundreds.
By stumps on Day 2, India extended their lead to 286 runs, with Jadeja unbeaten on 104 and Washington Sundar on 9. Earlier, Mohammed Siraj’s four-wicket haul helped bundle out West Indies for 162 in their first innings, setting the stage for India’s dominance.
Rahul’s form, combined with Shastri’s clarification, reinforces that the opener has finally settled into his role at the top and continues to be a key figure in India’s red-ball lineup.
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