Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed doubts about KL Rahul’s ability to open for India in Test matches. Despite being a seasoned player with 53 Tests under his belt, Rahul’s recent form has been far from convincing. Although he has spent most of his career as an opener, he transitioned to the middle-order earlier this year, batting at No. 5 during India’s tour of South Africa. However, injuries and inconsistent form have restricted his opportunities in the Test XI, leading to further scrutiny.
Rahul has opened in 44 of his 53 Tests, scoring 2551 runs, including seven of his eight centuries in this role. His overall performance as an opener suggests capability, but his recent outings have failed to inspire confidence. With Rohit Sharma unavailable for the first Test and Shubman Gill sidelined due to a fractured finger, Rahul is expected to open alongside Abhimanyu Easwaran. However, Manjrekar believes Rahul’s current form makes him an unsuitable candidate to face the new ball.
Manjrekar highlighted the importance of top-order stability in setting the tone of an innings. He remarked, “KL Rahul, as an opening option, is not setting the stage on fire. He appears low on confidence, and you don’t want someone like him facing the new ball, especially since the opening partnership heavily influences the tempo of the innings.”
Manjrekar instead suggested that Rahul would be better suited to the No. 6 position, batting below Rishabh Pant. This move could allow Rahul to play with less pressure and contribute more effectively to the team.
Rahul’s performances in Australia have also been underwhelming. In seven innings Down Under, he has managed only 183 runs at an average of 26.14. Additionally, his dismissal during the India A game last week raised concerns about his technique and temperament.
As Rahul’s form remains under scrutiny, India’s management faces a tough decision in balancing experience with the need for consistent performances at the top of the order.
