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Border-Gavaskar Trophy: What Is KL Rahul's Record As An Opener For India In Test Cricket?

Debashis Sarangi

Rahul will likely open for IND-A in practice game vs AUS-A [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]Rahul will likely open for IND-A in practice game vs AUS-A [Source: @ImTanujSingh/X]

According to emerging reports, experienced batter KL Rahul is in contention for an opening slot in India's first Test match of the upcoming five-match series against Australia. Led by Rohit Sharma, India are all set to take on the Aussies in five Test matches as their final assignment of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. 

However, with skipper Rohit Sharma likely to miss the series opener in Perth, the Indian management is considering promoting KL Rahul to the top order. The veteran batter will likely open the innings for India-A in their upcoming unofficial Test against their Australian counterparts. 

The Indian team will be keenly observing KL Rahul's performance in the game, as there will be a toss-up between him and the in-form Abhimanyu Easwaran to become Yashasvi Jaiswal's opening partner in Perth. Is Rahul's promotion a tactically sound move? Let's analyse his performance as an opener and draw a conclusion. 

KL Rahul's Record As A Test Opener: A Mix Of Highs And Lows

Innings
Runs
Average
100s/50s
75255134.957/12

(KL Rahul's Test record as an opener)

KL Rahul, who made his Test debut back in 2015, played his first match as a middle-order batter. However, it didn't take too long for India to notice his calibre as a quality top-order batter, as they promoted him to open the innings alongside Murali Vijay in his second Test. 

Overall, Rahul has opened the innings 75 times out of the 91 times he has batted in Test cricket. This data suggests he has primarily been an opening batter throughout his career, so it will be easier for him to switch from number six to the top if the Indian think tank decides to use him as an opener. 

However, although Rahul has slammed 2551 runs, including seven centuries, as an opener, his average is something he would like to work on. An average of just over 34 doesn't justify his talent. So, if he applies himself, he can be India's go-to man at the top order in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.