KL Rahul has recently addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding his Test average, which has lingered below 40 for a significant portion of his career. In a candid statement, Rahul acknowledged his awareness of the statistic, stating, "…not that I don't see it". This comes on the heels of a renewed purple patch in his performance, highlighted by a recent century scored against the West Indies in Ahmedabad.

Rahul's Test career has been a subject of much debate among cricket analysts and fans alike. Despite possessing undeniable talent and a wide range of shots, his inconsistency in the longest format of the game has often been a point of concern. Before his recent century, Rahul had amassed 3789 runs in 63 Test matches, with an average of 35.41, including 10 centuries and 19 half-centuries. While these numbers showcase his potential, they also underscore the inconsistency that has plagued his career.

However, recent performances suggest a shift in Rahul's approach and mindset. His form during India's tour of England earlier in the year was particularly impressive, where he scored 532 runs at an average of over 53, including two centuries. This resurgence has led to renewed optimism about his potential to become a consistent performer in Test cricket.

In the recent Test against the West Indies in Ahmedabad, Rahul's century not only ended a nine-year drought for a home Test century but also signaled a more consistent phase in his career. He revealed a new batting approach, focusing on tempo and maintaining composure, which he believes has been crucial in his recent success.

"Not sure really," Rahul said when asked about his lack of home centuries. "But yeah, somehow I think the only thing that I've worked on in the last year or so has been maintaining my batting tempo. Just enjoying the phases that are not as exciting for me in my own head".

This new approach seems to be paying dividends, as Rahul has demonstrated a greater ability to convert starts into big scores, a crucial aspect of Test cricket. His innings against the West Indies was a testament to his improved concentration and adaptability, as he patiently built his innings and capitalized on scoring opportunities.

Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian batter, has also defended Rahul against his critics, pointing out how opinions change rapidly with a few good innings. Kaif emphasized Rahul's strength lies in his belief and hard work, which enables him to rise after every setback and perform under pressure.

Aakash Chopra, another cricket analyst, has stated that this is a very important series for KL Rahul to improve his average to between 42 and 45.

Despite the criticisms and concerns about his Test average, Rahul remains focused on making an impact whenever and wherever he gets the opportunity. He has emphasized that he is not overly concerned with numbers but rather on enjoying his cricket and contributing to the team's success.

"I do not look at numbers, but I want to make an impact whenever and wherever I am given a chance. I want to enjoy my cricket. I enjoy playing Test cricket. That is what I loved growing up, and I have got the opportunity to do so for India," Rahul stated.

KL Rahul's journey in Test cricket has been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. While his average may not fully reflect his talent, his recent performances and renewed focus suggest a promising future. As he continues to refine his approach and maintain a positive mindset, Rahul has the potential to solidify his place as a key player in the Indian Test team. Only time will tell if he can consistently perform at the highest level and elevate his Test average to match his undeniable potential.