KL Rahul stands at a pivotal juncture in his career. After a decade of playing for the Indian national team, the upcoming Test series against England presents him with a golden opportunity to emerge from the shadows of celebrated predecessors like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. With both Kohli and Sharma now retired from Test cricket, and other established names like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara out of the current squad, the stage is set for Rahul to claim a central role and cement his legacy.
Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has emphasized the significance of this moment for Rahul. Bangar pointed out that Rahul has consistently played under the shadow of these "marquee players" since joining the team in 2014. Now, with a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on the horizon, Rahul has the chance to "stamp his authority" and define this phase of his career.
Bangar believes that Rahul possesses the experience and confidence to excel. He highlighted Rahul's proven ability to score centuries in challenging overseas conditions, a testament to his resilience and adaptability. This experience, combined with the current team dynamics, creates an environment where Rahul can truly flourish and establish himself as one of India's Test greats.
The series against England, commencing in Leeds on June 20, 2025, will be a significant test. Rahul's performance will not only be crucial for India's success but also for solidifying his own position within the team. Bangar advised Rahul, along with fellow opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, to "do the basics right," emphasizing the importance of leaving balls well and finding opportunities to score runs through a blend of caution and discipline. A strong opening partnership is essential for setting the stage for the middle order, further highlighting the importance of Rahul's role.
Rahul's journey has been marked by both successes and setbacks. He has demonstrated his versatility by performing well in various formats of the game. In the IPL 2025 season, playing for Delhi Capitals, he showcased his exceptional batting prowess by scoring a remarkable century against Gujarat Titans, remaining unbeaten on 112 off just 65 deliveries. This was his fifth IPL century, making him the second Indian batter to achieve this feat. This also marked a significant milestone as he became the first player to score IPL centuries for three different teams, having previously achieved this with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants.
Despite these achievements, Rahul has faced scrutiny and speculation about his place in the team. Some observers believe that he hasn't always received the recognition he deserves compared to Kohli and Sharma. However, his supporters emphasize his talent, skill, and ability to score crucial runs, particularly in difficult situations.
Now, with the landscape of the Indian Test team evolving, KL Rahul has a renewed opportunity to seize the moment. He has the experience, the talent, and the favorable circumstances to not only step out of the shadows but to create his own lasting legacy in Indian cricket.
