KL Rahul Explains Difference In Batting Approach Between Opening And Batting In The Middle Order

Indian stand-in skipper KL Rahul opened up about the different batting approaches while opening and batting in the middle order. KL Rahul emphasized that he has gained experience in both positions, acknowledging the need for different skills in these two roles.

KL Rahul started his international career as an opener in white-ball cricket. However, the right-handed batter was forced to bat in the middle order due to the absence of Rishabh Pant. He has been the regular wicketkeeper for the Indian team in the 50-over format.

There Is No Pressure Of Falling Wickets – KL Rahul

In a recent interview with JioCinema, KL Rahul explained the difference between batting as an opener and in the middle order. He highlighted that the middle-order batter needs to adapt to the situation.

“At the top of the order, you are creating the game yourself. Even when you are chasing, you know you need to score a particular score. You go in with zero baggage. There is no pressure of falling wickets or required run rate. But when you bat in the middle order, you have the situation in front of you and then need to act accordingly,” Rahul told JioCinema.

“That is the only major difference. I have been lucky that I have got enough games in the middle order to understand and adapt. Batting at positions 4 and 5 are not too different but yes, there is a big difference between opening and batting in the middle order,” he added.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has scored 1210 runs in 32 matches with an impressive average of 55, including three centuries and eight fifties, while batting in the middle order (No. 4 and 5). He has been in brilliant form this year, amassing 453 runs with an average of 75.50.

The Best Way To Challenge Ourselves – KL Rahul

“They’re coming into the World Cup as one of the favourites. They’ve got some great players, some we play IPL with, and we can see the impact they have. They come to India a lot, they know our pitches and conditions as well as we do.”

“This series will all be about how each team brings their skills to the forefront. So, yes, I am really excited about the series, and this is the best way to challenge ourselves before the World Cup,” he concluded.

The home team registered a convincing 5-wicket victory in the first ODI to take a lead of 1-0 in the three-match cricket series. The second ODI between the two teams is scheduled to be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, September 24.

Also read: KL Rahul Recalls India’s 2011 World Cup Triumph, Says They Want To Recreate It For Fans