Kannaur Lokesh Rahul, known simply as KL Rahul, has long been hailed as one of India’s most elegant and versatile batsmen. Yet, on June 24, 2025, after scoring a stunning 137 off 247 balls in the second innings of the first Test against England at Headingley, Rahul made a candid admission that resonated with fans and critics alike: “In the last couple of years, I’ve forgotten what my batting position is.” This statement, delivered with a mix of humor and frustration, encapsulates the 33-year-old’s career—a journey marked by adaptability, resilience, and occasional inconsistency, shaped by the demands of a team in transition. As India navigates a new era without stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, Rahul’s century and his evolving role signal a pivotal moment for both the player and Indian cricket. This article explores Rahul’s batting position saga, his performance in the 2025 England Test, and his path forward as a linchpin in India’s Test batting lineup.
The Context of Rahul’s Confession
Rahul’s comment came during a press conference following Day 4 of the first Test against England, part of the 2025 World Test Championship cycle. India, led by new captain Shubman Gill, had set England a daunting target of 371, thanks to Rahul’s gritty 137 and a 195-run partnership with Rishabh Pant (118). His century, his ninth in Tests, was a masterclass in patience and technique, spanning 345 deliveries across both innings at Headingley. Yet, the milestone was overshadowed by his reflection on the past two years, where he shuttled between opening, No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, and even wicketkeeping duties, leaving him uncertain about his “comfortable” role.
This fluidity, while showcasing his versatility, has often been a double-edged sword. As Rahul noted, “I’m happy to be given different responsibilities and different roles. It makes the game exciting and makes me want to challenge myself.” But the constant shuffling, driven by team needs and injuries, has contributed to his Test average of 34.69 across 59 matches—a figure he admitted “hurts” given his talent. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with fans praising his Headingley knock but lamenting the lack of a fixed role, one user stating, “KL Rahul deserves a stable position to unlock his full potential.”
Rahul’s Batting Position Odyssey
Rahul’s career has been defined by his ability to adapt across formats and positions. Since his Test debut in 2014 against Australia in Melbourne, he has batted in nearly every slot from 1 to 6, with the majority of his 83 Test innings (2803 runs, average 35.04) as an opener. His ODI career, where he averages 48.26, has seen him thrive at No. 4 and No. 5, while in T20Is, he’s excelled at No. 4, becoming the first batsman to score a century at that position. His IPL record, with 575+ runs in five consecutive seasons (2018-2022) for teams like Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings, further highlights his adaptability.
The table below summarizes Rahul’s Test batting stats by position as of June 2025:
Batting Position | Innings | Runs | Average | Centuries | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Opener (1-2) | 83 | 2803 | 35.04 | 7 | 12 |
No. 3 | 6 | 214 | 35.66 | 1 | 1 |
No. 4 | 5 | 189 | 37.80 | 0 | 2 |
No. 6 | 8 | 312 | 39.00 | 1 | 2 |
Source: Cricmetric.com
Rahul’s success as an opener, particularly in England (614 runs in 18 innings, average 34.11, two centuries), made him a natural choice to partner Yashasvi Jaiswal in the 2025 series. However, his stints at No. 6 in South Africa (2021, century in Centurion) and No. 4 during the 2023 World Cup (97* vs. Australia) demonstrate his middle-order prowess. The constant shifts, often to accommodate players like Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, have led to inconsistency, with Rahul averaging just 30.66 in Australia’s 2024-25 series despite solid starts.
The Headingley Century: A Turning Point
Rahul’s 137 in Leeds was a statement of intent. Facing a potent England attack led by James Anderson and Brydon Carse, he displayed impeccable technique, handling overcast conditions and a lively pitch. His first innings 42 off 78 balls steadied India after early wickets, while his second innings marathon, alongside Pant’s aggressive 118, set up a match-defining total. Rahul’s 195-run stand with Pant was lauded on X, with one user noting, “KL Rahul’s calm and Pant’s chaos—perfect Test match balance.”
The century was particularly significant given the context. With Rohit and Kohli retired, India’s batting lineup—featuring young talents like Jaiswal, Gill, and Sai Sudharsan—needed a senior figure to anchor. Rahul, at 33, embraced this role, guiding younger batsmen through challenging conditions. His post-match comments about mentoring Jaiswal (with whom he shared a 91-run stand) and managing partnerships highlighted his leadership, even without the captaincy, which went to Gill.
The Debate: Where Should Rahul Bat?
The Headingley performance reignited discussions about Rahul’s ideal position. Former selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth advocated for No. 4, vacated by Kohli, arguing, “Rahul has the technique to be India’s lynchpin in Tests.” Chris Gayle, in an InsideSport interview, urged Rahul to “stand firm” and claim a fixed spot, suggesting he open given his 315 runs at 39.37 in England’s 2021 tour. However, Rahul’s own preference leans toward the top order, where he’s played since his junior days in Mangalore.
Opening suits Rahul’s classical style, allowing him to face the new ball with composure. His 2018 century at The Oval and 2021 ton at Lord’s as an opener in England underscore this. Yet, the middle order offers flexibility, especially with India’s crowded top order (Jaiswal, Gill). Batting at No. 4 or No. 5 could maximize his ability to stabilize innings, as seen in his 97* in the 2023 World Cup. The downside is the risk of further disruption, as Rahul’s Headingley success came as an opener.
Rahul’s Evolution and Challenges
Rahul’s career has been a study in resilience. From his ODI debut century in 2016 against Zimbabwe to his record as the fastest to score centuries across all formats (20 innings), he’s consistently delivered under pressure. His IPL 2025 stint with Delhi Capitals, where he scored 77 vs. Chennai and 93* vs. RCB, showcased a bolder approach, influenced by fatherhood and a desire to assert himself.
Yet, challenges persist. Injuries, like those in 2022 and 2023, disrupted his rhythm, and his 2019 BCCI suspension over controversial comments on Koffee with Karan tested his mental fortitude. Critics, including Sanjay Manjrekar, have questioned his consistency, particularly in Tests, where he’s yet to score a 400+ run series. Rahul’s Headingley knock addressed these critiques, but as he noted, “Sometimes you get a good ball, sometimes you play a bad shot. You learn from mistakes.”
The Role of Leadership and Team Dynamics
Rahul’s Headingley performance wasn’t just about runs; it was about leadership. Without a formal role, he mentored younger players, offering guidance to Jaiswal and Sudharsan. His calm demeanor contrasted with Pant’s flamboyance, creating a balanced batting unit. Coach Gautam Gambhir’s backing, evident in Rahul’s retention for the Australia tour despite a dip in form, has bolstered his confidence.
The retirements of Rohit and Kohli have thrust Rahul into a senior role, with 59 Tests making him the most experienced specialist batsman in the squad. His ability to “keep partners honest without complicating things,” as noted by Hindustan Times, positions him as a mentor akin to Rahul Dravid, whose influence shaped his early career.
Fan and Media Reactions
The cricketing world reacted strongly to Rahul’s century and comments. Indian Express highlighted his “hurt” over his Test average, while NDTV called his take “stunning.” On X, fans rallied behind him, with one post stating, “KL Rahul’s 137 proves he’s India’s most solid batsman post-Kohli.” Critics, however, urged consistency, citing his Australia series as a missed opportunity.
Media debates focused on his batting position, with Times of India noting his preference for the top order but willingness to adapt. The sentiment underscored Rahul’s selflessness, a trait praised by Rohit Sharma, who once said Rahul’s flexibility strengthens India’s lineup.
Looking Ahead: Rahul’s Path Forward
As India progresses through the 2025 England series, Rahul’s role will be critical. With four Tests remaining, he has a chance to cement his spot, whether opening or at No. 4. His technique, honed under Dravid’s mentorship, suits England’s swinging conditions, and his experience will guide India’s young batsmen. The upcoming IPL 2025 with Delhi Capitals, where he’s their priciest buy at INR 14 crore, offers another platform to refine his aggressive edge.
Rahul’s goal, as he expressed, is to convert starts into big scores consistently. His Headingley century, coupled with his candid admission, suggests a player at peace with his journey yet hungry for more. Fixing his batting position—likely as an opener—could unlock the consistency that has eluded him, elevating his Test average closer to his white-ball figures.
In Summary
KL Rahul’s “I’ve forgotten what my batting position is” quip is more than a soundbite; it’s a window into a career defined by adaptability and sacrifice. His 137 at Headingley on June 24, 2025, reaffirmed his class, guiding India to a strong position in the first Test against England. As the team transitions into a post-Rohit-Kohli era, Rahul’s experience, technique, and newfound assertiveness make him indispensable. Whether opening with Jaiswal or anchoring at No. 4, his challenge is to translate talent into consistency. For now, Rahul’s century and leadership signal a batsman ready to claim his place, no matter where he bats, in India’s cricketing future.
