KL Rahul has emerged as one of the most versatile batters in Indian cricket, capable of adjusting his game according to the team’s requirements. While he is naturally an opener, Rahul has successfully transformed himself into a reliable middle-order batter in ODI cricket. His ability to bat at different positions, control an innings and finish strongly has made him one of India’s most valuable white-ball players.

Since moving into the middle order in early 2020, Rahul has produced impressive numbers while taking on a completely different responsibility. His adaptability has also earned praise from former India opener Aakash Chopra, who believes Rahul is right up there among the best middle-order batters in ODI cricket at present.

Former opener explains why KL Rahul stands out in ODIs

Discussing Rahul’s record since his move to the middle order, Chopra highlighted the consistency he has managed to maintain despite changing his batting position. The former India opener believes those numbers put Rahul firmly among the leading middle-order batters in the format. However, he also acknowledged that Shreyas Iyer deserves to be part of the discussion.

“If you look at his ODI career since the time he moved to the middle-order positions, which was early 2020, he’s averaging 60 while striking at nearly 100. He’s right up there. Yes, I think Shreyas Iyer’s numbers must also be quite handsome. He’s a very good middle-order batter. Controls innings quite nicely,” Chopra said in a video on Cricinfo.

Chopra also pointed to India’s successful Champions Trophy campaign as an example of Iyer’s importance. While Rahul played a significant role in finishing innings, Iyer was equally important in giving stability to the middle order. However, Chopra believes Rahul possesses an important advantage because of his ability to perform a role that does not necessarily come naturally to most top-order batters.

“Champions Trophy, as much as it was about Rahul finishing the innings, it was also equally about Shreyas holding middle order together and contributing. When you talk about Rahul, see the fact also is that you tell anybody in the top three to bat at five or six, they’ll be half the players,” Chopra added.

Rahul, however, has managed to make that transition despite being a natural opener. Chopra highlighted how India have used him at No. 5 and even No. 6, while also pointing out that the batter has become increasingly effective at finishing ODI innings.

“This guy is actually, I mean, he’s a natural opener, but you push him to five or even six at times. India has been pushing him to six. He’s become even better as someone who could finish ODI innings off, which I think is very, very difficult to do, but he’s been doing it with ease,” the cricketer-turned-commentator explained.

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Key batter for India at ODI World Cup 2027

Rahul’s versatility could become particularly important for India when they enter the ODI World Cup 2027. With the tournament expected to demand adaptability from teams, having a batter who can comfortably operate in different positions gives India an additional tactical option.

Unlike a conventional middle-order batter, Rahul has extensive experience opening the innings, yet he has also developed the ability to bat at No. 5 or No. 6 and finish games. That flexibility allows India to build their batting combination around match situations. If the top order gets India off to a strong start, Rahul can take responsibility for controlling the middle overs before accelerating towards the end. If India lose early wickets, his experience as an opener means he can also switch gears and play the role of an innings-builder.

With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India will need experienced batters who can perform multiple roles under pressure. Rahul’s numbers, adaptability and finishing ability could make him a crucial part of India’s plans.

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