Cricket

After Pant, it’s KL Rahul’s time to settle the debate over his place in the ODI side

Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul are two of the most talented Indian batsmen at present. But for some reason or the other, their places in India’s ODI side have always been under scrutiny.

The duo can’t complain either as Pant averages just 27.27 after 13 ODIs whereas Rahul’s average of 37.36 after 24 ODIs doesn’t do justice to his abilities as well.

In fact, his ODI average is lower than his T20I average which stands at 43.76. So that definitely calls for an improved performance in ODIs. His inconsistent batting roles in the format have also contributed to his average ODI numbers. However, the absence of Shikhar Dhawan in the ongoing series against West Indies has given him the opportunity to bat at the top of the order in all the three matches.

He let the opportunity go in the first match as he was dismissed for just six runs. Pant though cashed in on the opportunity as he scored his maiden ODI fifty, a brilliant 69-ball knock of 71 runs. The wicketkeeper-batsman was under tremendous pressure too as his performances in the previous matches hadn’t been up to the mark. But he took adversity on his stride, soaked in all the pressure and answered his critics in the best possible way.

Rahul should also derive confidence from Pant’s exploits at Chennai. The Karnataka batsman should follow Pant’s template– a batting approach of controlled aggression– in the next ODI of the series at Visakhapatnam.

The 27-year-old even has two centuries and four fifties to his name in ODIs and that should remind him once again that he knows the art of scoring big in the format.

All he needs to do is to shun his attacking instincts a little as batsmen need to bide their time at the crease in this format in order to get the big scores. Switching from T20Is to ODIs isn’t always easy for batsmen with natural attacking instincts, but it is high time he settled the debate over his place in the side.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Robin Uthappa reflects on Kuldeep Yadav being left out of India’s playing 11 during ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa backed the team management’s decision to not play Kuldeep Yadav… Read More

August 7, 2025

Prasidh Krishna’s childhood coach lauds pacer for fine show in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna's childhood coach, P. Srinivasa Murthy, praised his ward for bowling… Read More

August 7, 2025

Sanjay Bangar hails Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 series

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar praised Ravindra Jadeja for his consistent performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar… Read More

August 6, 2025

Parthiv Patel lauds KL Rahul, says he performed consistently till the fifth Test against England

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel praised KL Rahul for performing consistently throughout the five-match… Read More

August 6, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar reveals turning point in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes Joe Root’s dismissal late on the fourth day of the fifth… Read More

August 5, 2025

Siraj’s ‘Believe’ Moment Powers India to Famous Win at The Oval

For Mohammed Siraj, India’s dramatic six-run victory at The Oval on Monday began long before… Read More

August 5, 2025