KL Rahul backed to “surpass his best year” after solid unbeaten 53 vs West Indies
KL Rahul backed to “surpass his best year” after solid unbeaten 53 vs West Indies
KL Rahul’s calm, unbeaten 53 on Day 1 in Ahmedabad was the kind of controlled, tempo-perfect batting that has defined his red-ball resurgence in 2025. Reaching his 20th Test fifty in 101 balls, he weathered a disciplined new-ball spell, guarded his off stump with judicious leaves, then expanded into drives, late cuts, and busy rotation with captain Shubman Gill in a pivotal stand that steadied India after two quick wickets.
What impressed experts
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel felt Rahul has simply carried forward his England form into the home season, and tipped him to go beyond his previous benchmark year.
“KL was outstanding; he carried on his form from the England tour… it’s been an outstanding year for him, his second-best after 2017. I think he will surpass that record this year because he is looking in very good shape,” Patel said, highlighting how Rahul first earned respect for the West Indies’ new ball, then took control once set.
Former West Indies batter Daren Ganga praised Rahul’s clarity and classical method.
“He’s a classical player. The tempo he’s found comes from clarity about his role. He’s very comfortable leaving, adjusting to conditions and bowlers. This is the best version of KL Rahul, built around sound defence and smart judgement.”
The innings in context
Match situation: India were 121/2 at stumps on Day 1, trailing West Indies’ 162 by 41, with Rahul 53* and Gill 18* guiding the reply.
Method: Rahul’s first 30 balls were about assessment; thereafter, he trusted a compact trigger, met good length under the eyes, and cashed errors through the V and square.
Physical note: He appeared to manage some hamstring tightness, yet maintained tempo without risky sprints, leaning on crisp strike rotation.
His 2025 red-ball arc
Rahul’s year has pivoted on technical clarity and a tighter leave. The five-Test series in England brought a best-ever return: 532 runs in 10 innings at 53.20, with two centuries and two fifties. That tour re-centered his Test method—late play, high discipline, and selective acceleration—traits that translated seamlessly in Ahmedabad’s Day 1 conditions.
Best Test series: 532 runs, Eng 2025 (10 inns, avg 53.20, 2×100, 2×50; HS 137).
Milestones: Reached his 20th Test fifty in 101 balls here; soon turned the platform into a statement century on Day 2, ending his long home-ton wait and underscoring sustained form.
Why surpassing 2017 is realistic
Role clarity: A settled slot and defined brief—blunt the new ball, build platforms, cash in when bowlers tire—has eliminated the churn that once shadowed his returns.
Technical foundation: Compact base, patient leave, and decisive footwork vs spin reduce dismissal modes while preserving scoring options.
Confidence compounding: Runs in SENA conditions plus a home-season hundred are fueling the confidence loop elite Test scorers rely on.
Tactical takeaways from the knock
First 30 balls are investments: Rahul’s tempo prioritised risk control before expansion—ideal for new-ball sessions.
Bowler-specific plans: He rode away-swing with late leaves, waited for overpitches to drive, and smothered fuller lengths with a straight bat.
Pair-play with Gill: Clear communication on strike rotation and boundary selection prevented stall points before stumps.
What to watch next
Conversion rate: With foundations returning, the next layer is turning 50s into big hundreds more consistently through Lunch–Tea phases.
Managing workload: Monitoring hamstring tightness will be key, tuning sprint patterns while maintaining strike rotation.
Spin transitions: Early in the home season, rehearsed sweep and use-of-feet patterns will help him stay ahead of attacking fields.
Bottom line: Rahul’s 53* was less about fireworks and more about process—risk-weighted choices, tempo discipline, and a clear role. That’s the profile of a year that can eclipse 2017.