'KL Rahul has entered the peak phase of his Test career': Aakash Chopra
New Delhi, June 4
Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes vice-captain KL Rahul has entered the defining phase of his Test career and must embrace a leadership role in India's batting unit as one of the experienced cricketer.
Ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan at the PCA New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh from June 6, Chopra said Rahul's experience and consistency will be vital to the team's success during the ongoing transition period.
"KL Rahul's Test career has now entered its peak phase. He is not getting any younger, and he has been around for long enough. We have seen him succeed in Test cricket, especially in overseas conditions. He has been one of India's better openers in the longest format," Chopra told Jio Hotstar.
Rahul was recently appointed vice-captain under Test skipper Shubman Gill, a move Chopra believes reflects the team's faith in his ability to shoulder greater responsibility.
"Now he has been promoted to become Shubman Gill's deputy, that is a big responsibility, especially in transition. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring, India need someone like KL Rahul to fully own that spot at the top of the order," he added.
Chopra noted that while Rahul has already established himself as a prolific run-scorer in the format, the challenge now lies in maintaining that standard over an extended period.
"He has already scored plenty of runs, but the key is to maintain that form and consistency for a long time. The opening slot in Test cricket is not as crowded as it is in white-ball cricket. There are contenders, but not too many. That makes Rahul's role even more important. India will need him to guide the younger players and lead by example," Chopra explained.
Meanwhile, India will begin their post-IPL Test season against Afghanistan on June 6, with Rahul set to partner the captain at the top of the order as the team embarks on a fresh chapter in red-ball cricket.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Haan, but mujhe thoda doubt hai. KL Rahul ka inconsistency problem hai bhai. Ek match mein century, agle match mein zero.  Agar team transition mein hai, toh usko stable rehna hoga. Bas hope hai ki wo prove kare.
Chopra sahi keh rahe hain. KL Rahul ki technique worldwide respected hai.  Rohit aur Kohli ke jaane ke baad, team ko ek mature player chahiye. Agar wo leader ban gaya, toh India ke liye bohat acha hoga.
Afghani match ke liye kya fayda?  Sachin ko toh kabhi aise nahi bola. Lekin serious baat: KL ka best phase ab shuru hota hai. Agar wo consistently run karega, toh team ka backbone ban sakta hai.
Honestly, Chopra's analysis is spot on. KL Rahul has the talent, but needs to own that spot like Dravid or Sehwag used to.  Hoping he doesn't get injured mid-series again. Finger crossed for the Afganistan test.
Yeh 'peak phase' wali baat kahan se aayi?  KL ka peak to 2021-22 mein tha Australia aur England mein.
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