KL Rahul candidly expressed his preference for batting at the top of the order, while also affirming his willingness to follow his captain's directives, as he has begun to excel in the number 6 position in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Initially starting his international career as an opener, he was subsequently moved to the middle order to address the team's needs and fill a significant gap in that area. The 32-year-old has demonstrated remarkable adaptability in fulfilling the requirements set by the team management, establishing himself as a vital asset in the middle order.

During the crucial Champions Trophy semifinal against Australia, Rahul took the initiative and shifted the momentum in favor of India by accelerating the scoring at a pivotal moment. He contributed an unbeaten 42 runs off 34 balls, facilitating a smooth finish for India in the latter stages of the chase. Ultimately, he sealed the victory with a six, leading India to triumph at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The 32-year-old reflected on the contrast between opening the innings in red-ball cricket during the tour of Australia and batting at number 6, noting the differences in approach. 

"Yes, I do [enjoy batting at the top], I won't deny it," Rahul stated in an interview with Star Sports after securing India's place in the final. "Having opened the batting in Australia in Test matches and faced that formidable attack, I understand how challenging red-ball cricket can be. Transitioning from that role to batting lower down the order feels somewhat different, but this has been my role in white-ball cricket for the past four to five years," he elaborated.

Rahul stated that during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, he became aware of the team's strategy for him to bat at number 6, as India opted to include a left-handed batsman higher in the order.

"I am accustomed to moving up and down the batting order, so I am pleased to have the opportunity to play in the middle. The role assigned to me has significantly enhanced my understanding of my game. Over the past year, I have focused more on improving my boundary hitting, especially since I batted at No. 6 in our last ODI in Sri Lanka. I was aware that I would be batting in that position, and we required a left-hander in the top order," he remarked.

This is not the first occasion Rahul has been designated as a middle-order batsman in ODIs. He has been fulfilling this role since 2020 and performed admirably in the 2023 World Cup while batting at number 5.

"To be honest, I have been batting at No. 5 since 2020, and many people tend to overlook that fact," Rahul noted.

KL Rahul expressed his frustration regarding the ongoing uncertainty about his position in the playing XI, despite consistently following the directives of captain Rohit Sharma.

"Every time I perform well in a series, and then there is a hiatus from ODI cricket, questions arise again about whether I will be included in the XI and where I fit in. At times, I find myself wondering what more I can do. I have played wherever I have been asked, and I believe I have fulfilled my role effectively. Rohit has been the captain for the past four to five years," he added.

Additionally, he recognized the support Rohit has provided him over the years, which has served as a significant confidence booster.

"I have endeavored to execute whatever he has instructed to the best of my ability. I know Rohit shares this sentiment and has consistently supported and backed me. This gives me confidence going into the game, knowing that the captain is behind me," he concluded.

Read Also: KL Rahul’s Advice to Virat Kohli: ‘Be There Till the End’ – But He Didn’t Listen!

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