There was a lot of speculation regarding KL Rahul’s batting position for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in IPL 2024 ahead of their season opener against the Rajasthan Royals. KL Rahul has been opening the batting for various IPL teams in the past, but with the T20 World Cup coming up, KL Rahul is set to bat in the middle-order to book his place in the India squad.
LSG’s options at the top of the order
KL Rahul has been opening the innings for LSG and India since 2016. But Rahul’s typical role is under jeopardy as LSG have quite a few players to play in the opening slot including young opener Devdutt Padikkal, Quinton de Kock and Kyle Mayers.
Problem of plenty in India’s opening slot
Adding to that woes is the problem of plenty in India’s top order. KL Rahul has not featured for India in T20s since the T20 World Cup 2022. Ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup 2024, India have a lot of competition for the opening slots with Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill all firmly in the fray to bat at the top of the order.
Anil Kumble although said he had chat with KL Rahul and he preferred to bat at the top of the order.
“I had conversations with Rahul on batting in the middle-order when I was with Punjab. But he prefers to open. Keeping the World Cup in mind, maybe he should bat in the middle order for LSG. But I think should open with De Kock with Padikkal at No 3,” Kumble said.
Latest News on IPL
With the congestion at the top of the order, KL Rahul batting in the middle order could certainly boost his chances of being selected for the T20 World Cup.