India’s cricket buildup for the upcoming two-match Test series with South Africa relies heavily on three key players. Rohit Sharma, captain, and seasoned batter Virat Kohli are the well-known faces. However, KL Rahul, carrying the dual role of middle-order batter and wicket-keeper, is significant to India’s strategy. The opening match happens at the SuperSport Park in Centurion on Boxing Day [December 26].
Being a senior team member, more is expected from KL Rahul. Boasting 47 test plays to his credit, KL Rahul’s career report is strong. He has scored 2,642 runs, which averages out to 33.44, and includes an impressive count of seven triple-figured scores and 13 half-centuries.
KL Rahul’s record in Test matches in South Africa is as follows: he has played five Test matches, accumulating 256 runs at an average of 25.60. He struggled in the Rainbow Nation tour in 2017-18, scoring only 30 runs in two Tests at a pathetic 7.50 average.
In the first innings at Centurion, Morne Morkel dismissed Rahul for a mere 10 runs. In the following innings, Lungi Ngidi got him for just 4. In the victorious Johannesburg Test, where India triumphed by a 63 run margin, KL Rahul suffered disappointing scores of 0 and 16. The first, he was caught out from Vernon Philander’s pitch, and in the second innings, he repeated a similar mistake, edging the same South African pacer to second slip.
In 2020-21’s red ball showdown in South Africa, KL Rahul performed impressively, racking up 226 runs over three Tests. His average was 37.66. A memorable first-innings 123, earning him Player of the Match, powered India’s 113-run triumph in Centurion. As opener, this right-handed slugger batted 260 balls during a 402-minute stand, firing 17 fours and a six. He scored another 23 runs in the second innings as well.
In the second Test in Johannesburg, Rahul hit a half-century in the first innings but was out for 8. With a seven-wicket loss for India, he had a less-than-stellar performance. His showing in the third Test was disappointing too, getting out to Duanne Olivier for 12 in the first innings and to Marco Jansen for 10 in the second.
KL Rahul’s overall Test record in SA
KL Rahul has yet to play a home Test against the Proteas. As a result, his total Test record against South Africa is the same as his away record.
The 31-year-old will, however, be eager to improve his Test record against the Proteas. He is a far superior player than someone with a 25.60 average versus South Africa and a 33.44 overall average.
