In the high-stakes world of international cricket, few compliments carry as much weight as one from a legendary fast bowler. So when Dale Steyn, arguably one of the greatest pacers of all time, singles out an Indian batter for special praise, you know it’s significant. His latest remark about KL Rahul isn’t just flattery—it’s a profound insight into a tactical conundrum that’s been a talking point for years.
Steyn recently lauded Rahul’s evolution as India’s premier ODI finisher, a role that demands power-hitting, ice-cool nerves, and the ability to read a game in its most chaotic final overs. But then came the kicker: “If he batted at the top, he would have scored many 100s.” This statement has reignited a fierce debate among fans and experts alike. Is India using one of its most elegant and technically sound batters in the right spot?
Table of Contents
- KL Rahul: The Unsung Top-Order Talent
- The Finisher Role: A Double-Edged Sword
- What the Stats Say About Rahul’s Batting Positions
- Why India Keeps Rahul at No. 5 or 6
- Steyn’s Words: A Tribute to a Formidable Opponent
- Conclusion: Is Rahul’s Best Role Yet to Be Discovered?
- Sources
KL Rahul: The Unsung Top-Order Talent
Let’s rewind. KL Rahul first burst onto the scene as a classical opener, oozing the kind of grace and timing that reminded fans of a bygone era. His early ODI career was built at the top of the order, where he accumulated a significant portion of his runs. In fact, he has scored over 900 runs as an opener in ODIs, with an average in the high 40s and a solid strike rate . This is the foundation of Steyn’s claim—an accomplished top-order batter is now being deployed in a role that prioritises quick runs over long innings.
The Finisher Role: A Double-Edged Sword
Rahul’s transformation into a finisher has been a masterstroke in its own right. In the modern ODI game, having a player who can walk in at No. 5 or 6 and immediately take control of the death overs is invaluable. Rahul’s ability to find boundaries under pressure has saved India on numerous occasions. However, this role is inherently limited. You rarely get the luxury of 80-100 balls to build a century. Your objective is to maximise the last 20-30 deliveries, which often means sacrificing your wicket for the team’s total. It’s a selfless role, but it’s not a century-maker’s role.
What the Stats Say About Rahul’s Batting Positions
The numbers tell a compelling story. While Rahul has been a consistent run-scorer in the middle order, his century opportunities there are far fewer. A significant chunk of his ODI runs—1,299 to be exact—have come at No. 5, but this has yielded fewer centuries compared to his time at the top . At one point, he was one of the few batters in the world to have scored a century in ODIs from multiple batting positions, showcasing his incredible adaptability . Yet, his conversion rate from fifties to hundreds is arguably higher when he has the time at the crease that the top order provides.
Why India Keeps Rahul at No. 5 or 6
So, why doesn’t India simply move him back up? The answer lies in team balance. The current Indian top order, often anchored by the likes of Shubman Gill and the captain, is incredibly solid. Moving Rahul up would create a logjam and potentially disrupt a winning formula. Furthermore, his wicket-keeping skills add another layer of flexibility. By keeping him in the middle order, India ensures they have a world-class batter who can also don the gloves if needed, providing a crucial extra spot for a bowler in the XI—a tactical advantage that’s hard to overlook .
KL Rahul: A Tribute from a Legend
Steyn’s comment is less a criticism of India’s strategy and more a massive compliment to Rahul’s skill. As a bowler who terrorised batters for over a decade, Steyn understands the mental and technical fortitude required to succeed at the highest level. His statement, “If he batted at the top, he would have scored many 100s,” is a recognition that Rahul possesses the complete package—the technique, temperament, and strokeplay—of a prolific top-order run-scorer. It’s a testament to a player who can excel in any role but might have an even more decorated career if given a different platform.
Conclusion: Is Rahul’s Best Role Yet to Be Discovered?
The debate over KL Rahul‘s ideal batting position is likely to continue. Steyn’s bold claim has simply given it a new, authoritative voice. Whether he’s anchoring the innings at the top or finishing it with brutal power in the middle, Rahul’s value to the Indian team is undeniable. His versatility is his superpower, even if it means his century count might not reflect his true, world-class talent. In a perfect world, perhaps he’d have a dual role, but in the real world of team dynamics and tactical necessities, India is making the most of a genuinely exceptional cricketer.