KL Rahul batting position for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024 has become a talking point ahead of their season opener against the Rajasthan Royals. Traditionally an opener, recent acquisitions and his own international ambitions could see him bat lower in the order.
KL Rahul opening spot under threat
Since 2016, KL Rahul has been a mainstay at the top of the order, both for LSG and India. However, LSG’s acquisition of young opener Devdutt Padikkal, alongside Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers as overseas wicketkeeping options, throws a wrench into Rahul’s usual role.
T20 World Cup Ambitions ft KL Rahul
Adding another layer of intrigue is KL Rahul’s quest for a spot in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Having not played T20Is since the 2022 World Cup and missing recent series selections, he faces stiff competition from Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill for the opening slots.
Batting in the middle order for LSG could be a strategic move to showcase his skills and convince the national selectors.
LSG Boasts Firepower
Regardless of where KL Rahul bats, LSG possesses a formidable lineup. Players like de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, and Marcus Stoinis provide explosive batting throughout the order, a formula that propelled them to the playoffs in their first two IPL seasons.
Focus on Rajasthan Royals’ Opening Pair
LSG’s opponents, the Rajasthan Royals, will be looking for a more consistent performance from their openers, Jos Buttler and Yashasvi Jaiswal. The high-profile duo started strong last season but faltered later. Buttler, in particular, will be keen to bounce back after a disappointing 2023 showing. In contrast, Jaiswal is fresh off a successful Test series against England and a strong showing in the SA20 league.
The opening clash between LSG and RR promises to be an exciting one, with both teams boasting strong batting line-ups. But all eyes will be on KL Rahul’s position in the LSG batting order, with implications reaching all the way to the T20 World Cup.
