Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has sparked discussions regarding the utilization of star batter KL Rahul in the middle-order for the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Rahul, known for his prowess as an opening batsman, has been a vital asset for LSG since joining the team in 2022. Despite facing injury setbacks in IPL 2023, where he played nine matches and scored 274 runs, his performance in the preceding season showcased his batting prowess, amassing 616 runs across 15 matches.
Pathan, praising Rahul’s adaptability, likened him to a car with multiple gears in an era dominated by automatic transmissions. He emphasized Rahul’s ability to thrive in any batting position, suggesting that a move to the middle-order might prove beneficial for both the player and the team.
He is a car with gears in an era of automatic cars. He can bat in any gear from first to fifth. He even has a sixth gear. So considering that, KL Rahul batting down the order might not be bad at all,” remarked Pathan in an interview with Star Sports, as reported by Sportskeeda.
Pathan further elaborated on the potential benefits of Rahul’s shift, suggesting that accommodating both Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers alongside Rahul in the lineup could pave the way for an all-Indian pace attack, enhancing the team’s overall balance.
However, Rahul’s immediate future in cricket remains uncertain due to an ongoing struggle with injury. Recently, he missed India’s second Test against England in Visakhapatnam due to right quadriceps pain. While named in the squad for the remaining three matches against England, his participation hinges on fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team.
“The participation of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul is subject to fitness clearance from the BCCI medical team,” stated the BCCI in a release announcing India’s squad for the upcoming Test matches against England.
With the series delicately poised at 1-1, all eyes are on Rahul’s recovery and potential return as India prepares to face England in the third Test commencing in Rajkot on February 15.
