With KL Rahul at No. 6, India looking at bigger picture in Tests: Hanuma Vihari

Veteran India batter Hanuma Vihari believes KL Rahul’s position at No. 6 in the batting order is part of a bigger strategy for India’s upcoming tour to Australia. After nearly seven months away from the Test arena, Rahul’s much-anticipated return to red-ball cricket didn’t quite set the stage on fire. Rahul failed to impress with the bat, managing scores of 16 and an unbeaten 22 in Chennai against Bangladesh.
Vihar explained that Rahul’s experience is key, especially in handling challenging situations like facing the second new ball or stabilizing the team during a collapse. Vihari pointed out that Rahul has performed well in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), which is why the team management values his experience for this crucial middle-order role, even though his record in India may be less impressive.
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“I wouldn’t say it would be his last Test match because they’re looking at a bigger picture is what I feel playing KL Rahul at No.6. They have a plan in mind. They want experience at number six when we tour Australia, because in Australia, playing at six, you need to have good whether it’s facing a second new ball or a collapse early. You need someone with experience to go out there and counter it and KL Rahul has done it in the past in SENA countries, especially, I know his numbers in SENA countries are really good compared to Indian conditions, which is surprising with the quality KL Rahul possess. But that is what they are looking at,” Hanuma Vihari, Expert, JioCinema & Sports18, told Indiatoday.in in an interaction.
Vihari noted how Rahul may not always be the flashy, aggressive batter, but when he settles into his groove, he becomes the player who can anchor an innings, especially under pressure. That’s the version of Rahul that India hopes will emerge when they face sterner tests, particularly on their tour to Australia.
Since his Test debut in 2014, Rahul’s career has been a story of flashes of brilliance tempered by long periods of inconsistency. In 51 Tests, he has scored 2,901 runs at an average of 34.12. Those are solid numbers, but for a player of Rahul’s calibre and reputation, there is a sense that his career statistics do not reflect his true potential.
He has largely played as an opener—75 innings to be exact—where he has amassed 2,551 runs at an average of 34.94, including seven centuries. Yet, despite some notable performances, he hasn’t quite made the opening slot his own. As a middle-order batter, his numbers are scattered across various positions. His brief stint at No. 3 yielded just 88 runs in five innings, and while he scored a lone fifty at No. 4, it’s the No. 6 position that now seems to be calling his name. Rahul has played six innings at No. 6, scoring 154 runs, but this could be the position that offers him a fresh start and a stable future in the Indian lineup.
“I feel as a team management and selectors, someone at number six to guide the team if they’re in trouble, or play the second new ball and take it forward from there. Obviously, he needs to score runs to back the team’s decision as well. He started well, in the second in the last game. Unfortunately, he didn’t have enough time to make it a big score or substantial score, but I’m sure in Kanpur, where the wicket is nice when the opportunity comes, he’ll make it big and cement his place at number six, which is important for Team India when they tour Down Under,” Vihari added.
Rahul’s return wasn’t just marked by his performance in Chennai; there were prior signs of rust and recovery in his Duleep Trophy appearance for India A. In his first outing, his 111-ball-37 was criticized for its conservative approach. In a world where aggressive batsmanship is prized, Rahul’s hesitation to take the initiative in key moments drew flak. However, in the second innings of the same match, he found some redemption, crafting a gritty 57 off 121 balls as his side crumbled around him. Though India A ultimately lost to India B, Rahul’s ability to hold his ground in difficult situations hinted at his resilience.
India’s middle order has often been seen as the backbone of their Test success, and Rahul’s ability to slot in at No. 6 could provide balance to the lineup, particularly in overseas conditions. With Rishabh Pant at No. 5 and all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and R. Ashwin behind him, Rahul could bat in a more relaxed and stable environment. This role would allow him to build his innings without the pressure of opening, while also being well-positioned to handle the second new ball—an area where his technique and experience could come in handy.