IND vs ZIM LIVE: Kl Rahul returns to professional cricket for the first time after May as he leads the Indian team on a three-match series against Zimbabwe. Having passed the fitness test, Rahul was drafted into the squad with an eye on the Asia Cup later this month. The 30-year-old’s batting position however remains unclear and adds to coach VVS Laxman’s selection headache. Follow India vs Zimbabwe LIVE updates on Insidesport.IN
IND vs ZIM LIVE: Where will KL Rahul bat? Captain’s batting position adds to Laxman’s selection headache on Zimbabwe tour – Check out
KL Rahul was drafted late in the Indian side for the Zimbabwe series and his batting position remains unclear on his return to the side. Traditionally an opener, Rahul batted at the top of the order in his last 50-over assignment for India partnering Shikhar Dhawan.
However, in a fully fit and available squad, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan are staples at the top of the order, with Rahul slotting in the middle order. In his few matches down the order, the 30-year-old has impressed with his stroke-making and progressive strike rate. In just his 16 innings in the middle order, Rahul has two ODI hundreds, and four fifties to his name.
KL Rahul numbers at each batting position
| Position | Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s |
| Opening | 21 | 884 | 111 | 46.52 | 80.58 | 3 | 6 |
| No.3 | 3 | 77 | 47 | 25.66 | 78.57 | 0 | 0 |
| No.4 | 6 | 209 | 108 | 41.8 | 84.27 | 1 | 0 |
| No.5 | 10 | 453 | 112 | 56.62 | 113.81 | 1 | 4 |
IND vs ZIM LIVE: Where will KL Rahul bat? Captain’s batting position adds to Laxman’s selection headache on Zimbabwe tour – Check out
KL Rahul averages a whopping 56.62 at No.5 and his strike rate of 113.81 bodes well for a player who comes in late and will take up finishing duties. At the top of the order, while he still averages a healthy 46.52, his strike rate drips to a moderate 80.58. Furthermore, Gill’s performance in the West Indies further makes a case for Rahul to bat at No.5.
The Gujarat Titans star won the player of the series award and managed an unbeaten 98 in his final innings. He scored two fifties and was the top scorer on the tour, forming a fine partnership with Shikhar Dhawan at the top. Given India’s inexperience in the middle order, Rahul’s presence could add some steel to the line-up.
Potential India Playing XI: 1. Shikhar Dhawan 2. Shubman Gill 3. Sanju Samson / Ishan Kishan 4. Deepak Hooda 5. KL Rahul 6. Axar Patel 7. Shardul Thakur 8. Deepak Chahar 9. Mohammed Siraj 10. Kuldeep Yadav 11. Prasidh Krishna
IND vs ZIM LIVE: Where will KL Rahul bat? Captain’s batting position adds to Laxman’s selection headache on Zimbabwe tour – Check out
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