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In the last 18 months, K. L. Rahul has batted at four different positions in Tests. Perhaps, being an immensely talented batter in a line-up filled with legends and stalwarts has this outcome, for that is probably the only way to shoe-horn you in.
But Rahul is at his best as an opener, a position where eight of his nine centuries have come, including the 137 (247b, 18×4) against England at Headingley on Monday.
“In the last couple of years, I have forgotten what my position is,” Rahul said after the day’s play. “But I am happy to be given the responsibility (of batting at different positions). It makes the game exciting and I can challenge myself.
“The last couple of series, I have opened and I have enjoyed that. (In) all of my early years, I have been an opener and I am happy to be back.”
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In the 2024-25 Australia tour, the 33-year-old got five decent starts across 10 innings, but couldn’t score big. The second-innings century in Leeds, after the 42 in the first essay, would have come as a relief.
“I was happy with the way I was batting in Australia but unhappy that I couldn’t convert. But that’s how the game goes. I learnt and made sure that once I get a start, I make it count.”
Rahul said that he was also enjoying the role of being the senior-most batter in the current set-up.
“Even with Virat (Kohli) and Rohit (Sharma), there was a culture where everyone helped each other. I have been in those situations myself where I have spoke to Virat ahead of series in England and Australia.
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“So, the atmosphere in the dressing room is relaxing. And there are conversations like what to expect in Leeds, Lord’s… and we try and use that information.”
Looking ahead to Tuesday, Rahul stated that he would have been happier with “40 to 50 runs more” but expressed hope that 370 runs will be enough.
“There is definitely a result. England has said that openly. That gives us the opportunity to take wickets. It is a tricky pitch. I didn’t feel set at all while batting. It has taken a beating, and it may break even more.”
