Indian opener KL Rahul has found his rhythm and a new role as a dependable senior batsman in the Test series against England, shedding past inconsistencies and embracing a calmer mindset.
From Struggles to Stardom
Not long ago, questions lingered about KL Rahul’s consistency. His scoring sequence during the forgettable Australia tour saw him struggle to convert starts into big scores. He openly shared his goal for the England tour: to turn good starts into great hundreds.
The numbers speak volumes about his turnaround. From just two fifties in five Tests previously, Rahul now boasts two hundreds and one fifty in just two Tests in England. This remarkable shift has cemented his position as a reliable pillar in the Indian batting lineup.
Embracing the “Rahul Bhai” Role
Once seen as a peer to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Rahul has evolved into the “big brother” figure, affectionately called ‘Rahul bhai’ by his younger teammates. This address signifies respect and responsibility in Indian cricket culture.
His batting style is a throwback, drawing comparisons to the legendary Rahul Dravid rather than the more aggressive Rohit or Virat. This shift highlights his maturity and his embrace of a more anchoring, responsible role for the team.
A Year of Milestones and Peace
2025 has been a significant year for Rahul, both personally and professionally. He became a father in March and found a newfound sense of peace during the IPL. These personal milestones seem to have contributed to his improved performance and clarity in Test match batting.
His calm demeanor and focus on the process, rather than just runs, have been key. He’s spoken about understanding that hard work doesn’t directly correlate with runs, but commitment to the process is vital for survival in professional sport.
Mastering English Conditions
Rahul’s disciplined approach has been crucial on the cryptic English surfaces. While other stroke makers might struggle, Rahul, with his solid technique and ability to control his urges, has thrived. He patiently negotiated barrages of short balls and tempting deliveries, refusing to fall into traps set by English bowlers like Jofra Archer.
He strategically waited for bowlers to attack the stumps, capitalizing on those opportunities. An example of his patience and execution came against Brydon Carse, where Rahul scored three successive boundaries by guiding the ball to his favoured areas, demonstrating his superb control and understanding of the conditions.
The Odd Couple: Partnership with Pant
Rahul has forged an important partnership with Rishabh Pant, an “odd couple” with contrasting batting approaches – one textbook, the other audacious. Rahul, as the elder statesman, indulges Pant’s attacking instincts while also mentoring him during their time at the crease.
Their partnership at Lord’s was vital. Although Pant’s eagerness to get Rahul to his hundred led to a run-out, Rahul completed his century, having played a crucial 177-ball innings. His performance underscored his new role: doing his bit for the team, calmly and effectively.
- KL Rahul has transformed from an inconsistent player to a dependable senior batsman in England.
- He has embraced a new leadership role, earning the affectionate title ‘Rahul bhai’ from his teammates.
- His disciplined batting and ability to control his urges have been key to his success on challenging English pitches.
- Finding personal peace and clarity, including stepping away from captaincy ambitions, has contributed to his Zen-like focus.
Rahul’s journey from uncertainty to a state of calm confidence truly exemplifies finding one’s “Zen mode” in the demanding world of professional cricket.
