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"He Was In Kohli's Shadow": Ex-ENG Player Backs KL Rahul To Surpass Shubman Gill

Soumyajit Dutta

Shubman Gill and KL Rahul [Source: @ICC/X.com]Shubman Gill and KL Rahul [Source: @ICC/X.com]

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from Test cricket, KL Rahul has seized the opportunity at the top of India's order. Promoted to opener, Rahul has immediately impressed, compiling 375 runs in his last six innings at an average of 62.50, including multiple centuries.

Taking on greater responsibility, Rahul is now tasked with providing consistent starts and guiding the innings. Former England batter Owais Shah believes this shift allows Rahul, previously operating in Kohli's shadow, to emerge as India's primary batting pillar, even surpassing the in-form Shubman Gill.

Owais Shah Tips KL Rahul To Tower Over Gill

Shah elaborated on the Beard Before Wicket Podcast that KL Rahul is now emerging as he is out of Kohli's shadows and this might be a good opportunity to surpass Gill.

"I think he's been in the shadow of Kohli. With Kohli at the crease, he was always going to be your main batsman and Rahul was under the radar. But this is his time to flourish. This is the first series without Virat Kohli. Look at the batting order, yes Shubman Gill has done really well, I wasn't expecting it. I did not think he had it in him to do what he's done so far," Shah said in the podcast.

Shah backs KL Rahul As The Main Batter!

Shah emphasised Rahul's technique and temperament, predicting the batter is ready to deliver on his long-held promise.

"But I still feel KL Rahul is the best batsman in the batting line-up who you should be able to rely on. And it is time for him to deliver the sort of numbers his technique and temperament promise. I feel KL, over 10-15 matches, may just outscore Shubman Gill. I think we will see him really come about in the next 12 months," Shah added.

KL Rahul's recent century at Lord's wasn't just crucial for the match, but it etched his name into history as only the second Indian, after Dilip Vengsarkar, to feature more than once on the prestigious Lord's honours board. 

To India's misfortune, despite Rahul's strong individual performances, India currently trail England 1-2 in the ongoing five-match Test series, with the third Test about to start from July 23 in Manchester.