‘Rohit is pretty clear…’ – KL Rahul opens up on his batting position for the 2023 ODI World Cup

At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Thursday, KL Rahul scored an unbroken 64 runs off 103 balls to help India defeat Sri Lanka by four wickets in the second One-Day International. Rahul appeared to be at ease with the bat throughout the innings. When India’s top order fell apart during the chase, the wicketkeeper-batter rose to the occasion and saved the day.

India lost several early wickets while attempting to reach their 216-run goal as openers Rohit Sharma (17) and Shubman Gill (21) left for the dugout. Virat Kohli, meanwhile, escaped cheaply after scoring just four runs off nine deliveries. Shreyas Iyer attempted a partnership with Rahul but was only able to add 28 runs to the total.

As India clinched the three-match series 2-0, Rahul, batting at No. 5, formed partnerships with Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav.

More often than not just trying and do the job the team wants has been my mindset: KL Rahul

In ODIs, Rahul, who typically bats as the opener, has comfortably transitioned into the middle-order position. In fact, while batting at No. 4 or 5 for India, he averages over 50 and has a strike rate close to 100. Rahul disclosed during the game that Rohit Sharma, the skipper, has been quite clear about where he wants the wicketkeeper to bat in the forthcoming ODI World Cup, which is set to take place in India this year.

“At No. 5 you will be facing spin, I like the ball coming on to the bat. Ro (Rohit) is pretty clear that’s where he wants me to bat (No. 5) and conveyed that to me,” he said.

“About batting at no. 5, one thing I really enjoy is that you don’t rush back to bat (compared to the role of an opener). You can put your feet up, have a shower, have a good meal and react to the situation. If the team requires me to bat at a certain strike rate I try and do it to the best of my ability. More often than not just trying and do the job the team wants has been my mindset,” the player on his batting approach.

Nuwanidu Fernando’s half-century helped Sri Lanka to reach 215 runs in 39.4 overs before getting bundled out. Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj both secured three wickets for India’s bowling unit.