KL 'Chameleon' Rahul: The mould that fits every role

KL Rahul [Source: AFP Photos]

"Last couple of years I have forgotten what position I am comfortable in," – KL Rahul

The weight of that statement can only be understood by a true cricket fan. In today’s era, where even a minor deviation from training or diet can affect a player’s form, imagine KL Rahul mastering every role in the batting lineup, whether up or down the order. 

Once criticised by fans and experts alike for his slow knocks in ODIs and limited red-ball appearances, Rahul has reinvented himself as an all-format powerhouse. Like a chameleon that changes its colour to adapt to its surroundings, KL Rahul adjusts his game to suit every situation and format.

Rahul seamlessly blends into any role, any position, any condition, and still manages to impose his authority. A closer look at his performances across formats and batting positions reveals the depth of his versatility.

The 'chameleon' KL Rahul's magic across formats

In Tests

(Table - KL Rahul's Test stats across the batting order)

Inference: KL Rahul’s Test record reflects a batter who is comfortable adapting to different roles depending on the team’s needs. While he has played the majority of his innings as an opener, his ability to average over 50 when batting at No. 4 and strike close to 70 at No. 6 shows that he adjusts seamlessly to varying match situations. 

Whether facing the new ball at the top or steadying the innings lower down, Rahul’s technique and temperament remain consistent, proving his versatility across batting positions in the longest format.

Bottom Line: Rahul’s numbers underline his maturity as a red-ball cricketer who can play both the aggressor and the anchor, seamlessly comfortable in any role that helps the team’s cause.

In ODIs

(Table - KL Rahul's ODI stats across the batting order)

Inference: In ODIs, KL Rahul’s flexibility truly comes to light. He has been equally effective as an opener and a middle-order stabilizer, maintaining averages above 50 at multiple positions. His strike rate close to 100 in the middle order highlights how he has mastered the art of pacing an innings. 

Interestingly, he boasts an average of 40+ in the opening spot and at No. 6 as well, defining his all condition suitability in the game.

Bottom Line: Rahul’s ODI numbers shows that he isn’t defined by a batting number, he’s probably the most responsible batter across India’s top and lower order.

In IPL

(Table - KL Rahul's IPL stats across the batting order)

Inference: The IPL data showcases Rahul’s dominance as a top-order batter while also reflecting his adaptability when pushed down the order. His impressive average of nearly 50 as an opener highlights his consistency in setting up innings, but even when batting at No. 3 or No. 4, his strike rate remains above 130. 

This ability to switch gears and roles within the high-pressure T20 environment speaks volumes about his class as a batter and his recent discovery of himself as both a potent explosive and anchor-type batter.

Bottom Line: Rahul remains one of the most complete T20 batters in the IPL. Equally effective as a steady opener or as a middle-order accelerator who can control the tempo of an innings.

Conclusion

While KL Rahul has been a consistent performer in both Tests and ODIs, his presence in India’s T20I setup faded after 2022. His average dropped to 28.93, a sharp decline from his peak years when he averaged 44 and 89. Since then, Rahul hasn’t featured for India in the shortest format. However, his passion for T20 cricket reignited during IPL 2024 and 2025, marking a remarkable comeback after a disappointing 2023 season.

Even when formats are set aside, KL Rahul’s dominance across roles remains astonishing. As he launched two towering sixes off Matt Short in the 21st over of the first ODI between India and Australia, a cricket fan must be pondering what an adaptable genius he is. A batter who thrives under pressure, whenever and wherever his team needs him.

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