KL Rahul: A Newfound Balance

KL Rahul's remarkable turnaround in foreign territories is a testament to his adaptability and discipline. After averaging 44.63 at the end of 2017, his figures plummeted to 34.59 by the time he was dropped following the Caribbean tour in 2019. However, since his comeback to the top of the order in England in 2021, Rahul has shown a marked improvement in his game.

Finding his Lost Off Stump

Rahul's biggest nemesis in the past was the seaming delivery against which he averaged 16.40 and got dismissed every 31.3 balls. However, since his comeback, he has made significant changes to his trigger movements, leading to a more balanced and compact approach at the crease. His average impact in the probing channel outside the off stump has decreased from 0.209 cm in the 2018-19 period to 0.166 cm since 2021, indicating a more assured judgment of the balls.

Discipline and Leave Percentage

Rahul's leave percentage of 30.5% at the start of an innings (first 50 balls in a batter's innings) places him among the top five among those who opened the batting at least ten times in Tests outside Asia since 2021. This attribute was evident even in Perth when the ball was new and at its most venomous, with Rahul leaving 25% of balls early on in his innings.

Record Against Balls in the Channel

Rahul's record against balls in the channel (off stump & just outside) from pacers in Tests outside Asia has seen a significant uptick. In the 2018-19 period, he averaged 16.40 and got out every 34.9 balls, among specialist batters only Jonny Bairstow got out more frequently to such deliveries. Post 2021, Rahul's average for those balls have doubled to 32.88 while his dismissal rate read 79.2, placing him in the top ten.

A Newfound Balance

Rahul's newfound balance is a result of his discipline and adaptability. He has become more selective with his shots, leaving balls outside off stump and playing defensive shots. This approach has helped him to tire the bowlers and has led to a significant improvement in his game. With his newfound balance, Rahul is well-equipped to handle the challenges of Tests outside Asia and will be a key player for India in the coming years.