“I have been branded as a Test cricketer for 4-5 years, so it’s good for me to be up there creating history and breaking the record,” KL Rahul had said after smashing a record 14-ball half century during the recently-concluded Indian Premier League.
He had gone into that tournament after being ignored for India’s limited-overs series of South Africa. In the Nidahas Trophy that followed he had failed to make a mark.
The prospect of playing in the 2019 World Cup seemed to be fading away. The Indian Premier League, though, had come at an opportune time. His blistering knock first-up set the tone for an impressive show through the competition.
The performance saw him earn a place in the limited overs squads for their tour of United Kingdom. After spending time on the bench during the side’s 76-run win in the first T20I against Ireland, the Bangalore-lad was picked as opener in the second T20I.
Skipper Virat Kohli had declared that the team management would look to experiment ahead of the England leg. Considered as a contender for the opening slot, Rahul has yet to stake claim to the position thanks to the consistent performances of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma.
On Friday, the team management gave Rahul a look in as Dhawan was given rest. Rahul did not disappoint. The 26-year-old’s 36-ball 70 set up India’s 143-run victory over Ireland on Friday.
His effort included three boundaries and six sixes. He batted at a strike-rate of close to 200 clobbering a hapless Ireland bowling attack to all corners of the ground. In fact, his 36-ball effort saw him face just four deliveries without scoring a run.
“It was important for me to make the most of the opportunity that I get,” Rahul reflected after the game. “With the type of team we have these days, it’s difficult to get in. Whenever I have off time, I try to get stronger,” he added.
IPL replay
Batting in his first international game since the IPL, Rahul gave a good account of what he can bring to the table in India’s limited-overs set-up. Also, he proved that he can reproduce the pyrotechnics at the international stage.
The knock, though, will have to be taken with a pinch of salt as it comes against an Ireland outfit which is still finding its bearings in top level cricket.
Dhawan and Rohit are likely to open once India face a more competitive opponent in England over the course of the next few months. However, with Friday’s knock, Rahul has given the team management a selection headache as they look to zero in on an ideal playing XI ahead of the England series.
I’m having a headache right now about who to pick,” skipper Kohli admitted after the game. “It’s a healthy sign, guys shining through coming from the bench as well. It’s a great phase for Indian cricket.” he added.
With his astounding current form, Rahul will be legitimate contender to be tried out for a regular place in the ODI XI as well. He has been picked in the ODI squad for the upcoming England series.
The last time Rahul played in the 50-over format for India was against Sri Lanka in August 2017. He mainly batted in the lower-order in that series. It’ll be interesting to see where the team management fit him if he’s deemed worthy of a place. With Manish Pandey’s current form a bit shaky, Rahul might well take over.
Rahul, though, will be keen on making all the right noises to make this a certainty.
The tour of England will be an ideal platform to launch his bid for place in the squad for the World Cup next year. With three T20Is and as many ODIs, Rahul is bound to get a look in for a majority of these fixtures.
It is an opportunity that has been presented to him after a frustrating wait. If his performance on Friday is anything to go by, the Bangalore lad seems more than up for the challenge.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!