India vs Australia: Manjrekar Questions KL Rahul’s Suitability as an Opener, Suggests No. 6 Role Instead
Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised doubts about KL Rahul's ability to open for India, given his recent struggles. While Rahul's career as an opener boasts significant numbers, Manjrekar feels he is better suited for the middle order, especially at No. 6, where his technique and temperament can shine against the old ball.
Veteran cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed doubts about KL Rahul’s suitability as an opener, citing inconsistent form and struggles with the new ball. Despite being a veteran of 53 Tests and scoring seven centuries as an opener in 44 matches, Rahul’s recent performances haven’t been enough to fight the upcoming tough situations.
With Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first Test and Shubman Gill injured Rahul is likely to partner Abhimanyu Easwaran at the top. However, Manjrekar believes Rahul would be better at No. 6, where his ability to handle spin and bat with the tail could prove invaluable. Rahul has experience in this role, scoring 234 runs, in six innings at No. 6. He said:
It’s not like KL Rahul as an opening option is setting the stage on fire. Going by the reality, KL Rahul currently you can see……He looks a bit down on confidence and you don’t want someone like him batting at the top of the order because much of the tempo of the innings is set at the start number 1,2 and 3.
Manjrekar highlighted Rahul’s underwhelming record in Australia, where he averages 26.14 in seven innings. He added about this situation:
I’m going by KL Rahul for the work he’s done down the order and very recently in South Africa. He was batting at number six with a softer Kookaburra ball and if he has to bat with the tailenders…….Rahul adding value to the team at that position.
Rahul’s adaptability could play a key role, but whether he remains an opener or moves to the middle order is yet to be seen.
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