Glenn McGrath Highlights KL Rahuls Flexibility in Batting Lineup

KL Rahul has proven to be the most versatile batsman in this generation. Even the legendary bowler, Glenn McGrath, appreciated his batting performances for the Indian team. Rahul has shown a new form this year for Indian cricket.

1. McGrath on Rahul

Even coming down the order, Rahul ensured to contribute to the team at his very best. He scored 38 runs off 31 balls, at a pitch where even the top order was not able to have a strike rate close to 80. Rahul came out to be one of the lone warriors for the Indian team in this game, despite the team losing by 7 wickets.

Glenn McGrath appreciated his performance, , “It must be tough for him to adapt. But he's one of the versatile players. He top scored for India in fairly tough conditions. So, from opening down to I am not sure how long he has batted. Sometimes that can mess with your confidence, but I think for him, maybe he's just used to it and adapts. He keeps as well, so he's a very versatile player.”

2. KL Rahul at Different Batting Positions

KL Rahul is one such batsman who has been tried by the Indian team at different batting positions. If the team wants someone to open, he is there; if they want someone in the middle, he is there; if they are willing to send him down the order, he is there. This shows the versatile batting nature of KL Rahul.

• Innings: 93
• Not Out: 6
• Runs: 3448
• Average: 39.63
• Strike Rate: 72.51
• 100s: 6
• 50s: 26

KL Rahul played a vital role for the Indian team while opening the innings a number of times. Since his debut, the team has seen him primarily as an opener. Whether it is the T20 format or Tests, Rahul has maintained his spot there for almost a decade.

• Innings: 80
• Not Out: 4
• Runs: 2824
• Average: 37.15
• Strike Rate: 61.07
• 100s: 7
• 50s: 18

Except for these positions, another spot that the team has found suitable for KL Rahul is coming down at number five. However, it should be noted that Rahul has batted for the team in all positions till number seven. This shows that he is able to adapt to the team at all batting positions.

• Innings: 31
• Not Out: 8
• Runs: 1299
• Average: 56.47
• Strike Rate: 96.36
• 100s: 2
• 50s: 9

Currently, KL Rahul has two different batting positions across formats. In the Tests, he is opening for the team along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. While in the ODI format, his batting order fluctuates, mainly ranging from number 4 to 6, depending on the combination that the team wants to use.

KL Rahul has achieved a new prime form in 2025. Whether it is the ODI format or Tests, it is necessary for him to showcase his consistency for the team. Due to this reason, he has been able to perform well across all formats of the game this year.

KL Rahul across Different Series:

Across all the series played by the team this year, Rahul has been able to consistently contribute. He also performed well for the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2025 season, hoping to get a recall to the T20I side. As of now, he will be eager to perform well in the remaining two ODIs against Australia.