KL Rahul's recent form has become a major talking point in Indian cricket, particularly in the context of the ongoing Test series against England. With senior players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma absent, the onus is on Rahul to not just perform, but to perform consistently. Former India player Sanjay Manjrekar has weighed in on the situation, drawing attention to the impact of Rishabh Pant and emphasizing that Rahul needs to be more than a "one-ton wonder".
Rahul's career has been marked by periods of brilliance interspersed with inconsistency. He has the potential to dominate in all three formats of the game, but he hasn't always translated that potential into consistent performances. He has scored multiple centuries in all three formats. In the recent first Test against England, Rahul scored 42 in the first innings and followed it up with a 137 in the second. While this century was crucial in propelling India's position, Manjrekar's comments suggest that a single good performance isn't enough to cement Rahul's place and contribution to the team.
Manjrekar's statement comes in the backdrop of Rishabh Pant's impressive performance. Pant smashed 134 and 118 in both innings of the first Test. Manjrekar lauded Pant for his hunger and the mental fortitude to score two centuries in a Test match. He highlighted Pant's enjoyment of Test cricket and his potential to carry his form throughout the series. Manjrekar even speculated that Pant could surpass Rahul Dravid's record of six Test centuries in England. This comparison indirectly puts pressure on KL Rahul to match Pant's consistency and impact.
The pressure on Rahul is amplified by the needs of the Indian cricket team. With a relatively young lineup, Rahul's experience and stability are crucial. He needs to be a reliable run-scorer and a guiding force for the younger players. Manjrekar's statement implies that Indian cricket needs Rahul to perform consistently throughout the series, not just in one-off innings.
KL Rahul's journey has been one of ups and downs. He was dropped from the T20 World Cup team in 2024 and released by Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. However, he has shown resilience and determination to bounce back. With the T20 World Cup next year, a strong and consistent performance in this Test series could solidify his place in the squad.
Former India batting coach Abhishek Nayar revealed that he worked with Rahul to bring a more aggressive outlook to his batting. This change in approach was evident in Rahul's recent performances, including a century and three fifties for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. Rahul's recent form has put him back in contention for a T20I recall for the series against Bangladesh in August.
Ultimately, KL Rahul's success in this series will depend on his ability to maintain his form and consistency. He has the talent and the experience, but he needs to overcome the mental challenges and deliver impactful performances throughout the series. Manjrekar's comments serve as a reminder that Rahul's contribution is vital for the team's success, and he cannot afford to be a "one-ton wonder".
