Too good to be 'average'? The KL Rahul century conversion paradox explained!

Akshita Patel

KL Rahul has trouble converting good starts into big score [Source: @Kunal_KLR/X.com]KL Rahul has trouble converting good starts into big score [Source: @Kunal_KLR/X.com]

KL Rahul, who arrived in international cricket in 2014, rose to fame for his technical superiority. When he gets going, few look as elegant or composed at the crease. 

Yet, despite his class, Rahul’s Test career tells a curious story. While he often reaches a century, he rarely turns it into a truly big score, and that has become a paradox that has left fans and critics scratching their heads.

KL Rahul troubled with fragile numbers

Over 64 Tests so far, KL Rahul has scored 11 centuries and 19 fifties, making 3889 runs at an average of around 36. But only 2 of those centuries have crossed 150, the 158 against West Indies and the memorable 199 against England in 2016. 

That means less than 20% of his hundreds have become big innings, a lower conversion rate than most top Indian batters. 

To put that in perspective, Virat Kohli has 9 scores of 150-plus from 30 centuries (30%), Rohit Sharma has 4 from 12 (33%), and Sachin Tendulkar has 20 from 51 (39%). Even Rahul Dravid (25%)  and VVS Laxman (35%), who often played grinding long innings, maintained a better ratio. 

Why does KL Rahul’s conversion rate stay low?

Concentration and shot selection

  • KL Rahul has a tendency to relax slightly after reaching a milestone. Fans and analysts have noticed that he often plays a loose shot soon after reaching 100. For example, he’s been dismissed for 100 or 101 three times in his career. That shows a possible dip in focus once the personal goal is achieved.

Changing roles and batting positions

  • During his career, Rahul has been juggled across roles, opening the innings, playing at No. 5, and even keeping wickets in a few series. Such frequent changes undermine rhythm and mental preparation. As an opener, he has to face the most challenging overs, and as a middle-order batter, he frequently has to go at a higher pace, with little scope to settle for marathon innings.

Match situations

  • On various occasions, team's circumstances have restricted Rahul's game to go big. For instance, his 101 at Centurion in 2023 came when India were bowled out soon after his hundred. In tight Tests or on tough pitches, he simply hasn’t had partners or enough time to push on.

Pressure and confidence

  • KL Rahul has been one of the most scrutinised players in Indian cricket. From captaincy talk to being dropped and recalled countless times, he's been under regular scrutiny. Rahul has admitted that online criticism affects him. This pressure can make him overcautious after scoring a hundred, playing to “protect” the ton rather than build on it.

Is there a turning point ahead for KL Rahul?

Despite this, there are signs of progress. Rahul's performance in 2025 has been stunning, with 2 centuries in 7 Tests and a much calmer frame of mind. His much-awaited home century in Ahmedabad broke a nine-year wait.

At 33, KL Rahul still has time to fix the missing piece in his Test career, converting his elegant centuries into match-defining double hundreds. He has the technique, patience, and experience. What he needs now is the hunger to stay longer once he’s set. 

Conclusion

KL Rahul’s conversion problem isn’t about skill; it’s about sustaining focus and intent beyond 100. For a player of his class, turning hundreds into 150s and 200s should be the next step. If he cracks that code, KL Rahul could yet redefine his place among India’s modern Test greats.