Is KL Rahul Ready to Shine with Test Hundreds?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- KL Rahul is poised for a significant phase in his Test career.
- Shastri predicts numerous centuries from him in the future.
- Technical adjustments have improved Rahul's batting performance.
- He holds the joint-second most Test centuries for India in England.
- India looks to capitalize on his form in upcoming matches.
New Delhi, July 19 (NationPress) Ravi Shastri is confident that KL Rahul is entering a remarkable phase in his Test career and anticipates the India opener will accumulate numerous centuries in the years ahead, particularly after his stellar performance in the current series against England.
“He’s at his prime. He must make these next three to four years significant,” Shastri stated during an episode of The ICC Review. “I expect him to score plenty of hundreds, especially since he's playing a lot of cricket in India. Thus, whatever his average is, it should be approaching 50.”
Rahul has emerged as one of India’s key players in the ongoing World Test Championship series, accumulating 375 runs over three matches with an impressive average of 62.5, which includes two centuries and a fifty. He currently ranks fourth in overall runs in the series and has now matched the record for the joint-second most Test centuries for India in England (four), trailing only Rahul Dravid (six).
Shastri attributes Rahul’s recent success to both technical adjustments and mental fortitude. “I think no one doubted his potential or talent,” Shastri commented.
“What frustrated fans was that despite such talent, he wasn’t consistently performing. But in this series, we are witnessing the best version of Rahul.”
Shastri also pointed out a significant technical modification that has had a considerable impact. “I’ve noticed a slight alteration in his front foot positioning during his stance and while defending. This adjustment allows his back to come through smoothly. Even when playing towards mid-wicket, he’s using the full face of the bat,” he explained.
This change has enabled Rahul to sidestep past dismissals. “He no longer needs to close the bat face, preventing him from falling over and getting into trouble like before. He used to get out leg before or bowled, often by moving across too much and getting leg before again,” he added.
At 33, Rahul has amassed 3,632 Test runs with an average of 35.3, including 10 centuries and 18 fifties. As India trails 2-1 in the five-match series, all eyes will be on the in-form opener when the fourth Test kicks off at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 23.