![No. 5 seems to be KL Rahul's calling in ODIs. [Source: @kl_rahul9541/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739376046785_KL_Rahul_Number_5.jpg?type=mq)
No. 5 seems to be KL Rahul's calling in ODIs. [Source: @kl_rahul9541/X]
Following two unsuccessful outings at No. 6, India wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul returned to bat a position above in the recently concluded third ODI against England in Ahmedabad. Unsurprisingly, Rahul scored an eye-catching 40 (29), including three fours and a six at a strike rate of 137.93 before getting out in the 47th over.
Having played international cricket for over a decade, Lokesh Rahul has been tried across roles and formats but has yet to cement his place at one particular spot. Batting at No. 5 in ODIs, however, seems to be his calling. This observation isn't because of his poor batting record at No. 6 across four outings but because of the below-mentioned reasons:
KL Rahul's Extraordinary Record
Indian legends namely MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, are among the top 10 highest ODI run-scorers at No. 5. Neither averages more than 50 and strikes at over 90 at this position; Only Rahul does.
Across 31 innings at No. 5, the right-handed batter has scored 1,299 runs at an average of 56.47 and a strike rate of 96.36, including two centuries and nine half-centuries.
In such a situation, India should refrain from experimenting needlessly in order to promote a left-handed batter at No. 5. As much as all-rounder Axar Patel has justified his batting promotions lately, it shouldn't come at the cost of sacrificing someone who is yet to be bettered by any country mate.
Only Wicket-Keeper batter To Average 60+ While Striking At 95+ At No. 5
As many as 111 wicket-keeper batters have batted at No. 5 in the history of ODI cricket. Rahul is the only one to be averaging in excess of 60 while striking above 95 in this role. Fourth-highest run-scorer among ODI wicket-keeper batters at No. 5, Rahul's 1,246 runs have come at an average and strike rate of 62.30 and 97.49, respectively.
| Player | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | 83 | 3,169 | 50.30 | 86.16 |
| Tom Latham | 59 | 1,768 | 34 | 89.38 |
| Andy Flower | 48 | 1,463 | 33.25 | 70.16 |
| KL Rahul | 28 | 1,246 | 62.30 | 97.49 |
| Jos Buttler | 35 | 1,209 | 39 | 111.53 |
Part Of An Elite List
Out of a total of 54 wicket-keepers who have at least 1,000 ODI runs to their name, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers and Rahul are the only two players to average in excess of 50 whilst striking at over 90.
Rahul, 32, has scored 1,438 runs at an average of 51.35 and a strike rate of 92.17 across 37 innings as a designated wicket-keeper. Comparatively newer to this role, consistency will test Rahul for him to remain part of this rare list alongside his former Royal Challengers Bangalore teammate.
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