"KL Rahul should only open for India now" - Cheteshwar Pujara lauds opener's performances in BGT 2024-25

Cheteshwar Pujara has lauded KL Rahul for his fantastic performances as an opener in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. He opined that the Karnataka batter should now onwards only bat at the top of the order in Tests.

The third Test of the five-match series between India and Australia ended in a draw in Brisbane on Wednesday, December 18. Rahul top-scored for India in the first innings with a 139-ball 84 and remained unbeaten on four runs off seven deliveries in the second essay.

In a post-match discussion on Star Sports, Pujara praised Rahul for quickly adjusting his game from No. 6 to the top of the order. He added that the stylish batter should be persisted with as an opener.

"It's not easy to open after coming from No. 6. When you are batting in the middle order and you suddenly get a challenge to play as an opener, it's a very good opportunity for him but a challenge as well. He prepared for it before this tour and the execution is visible there," he said.

"So he made a proper game plan and didn't err in that. That's the sign of a good player. KL Rahul should only open for India now. His batting position shouldn't be changed going forward," Pujara added.

Rahul has amassed 235 runs at an average of 47.00 in six innings in the ongoing BGT. He has faced the most balls (470) across both sides in the series.

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"He is showing self-confidence and the determination that is required a lot in Australia" - Cheteshwar Pujara on KL Rahul

KL Rahul is the only Indian to post two 50-plus scores in the series. [P/C: Getty]

In the same discussion, Cheteshwar Pujara termed KL Rahul the standout opener across both sides.

"He is doing classic Test match batting. He is looking the standout opener across both teams. He is showing self-confidence and the determination that is required a lot in Australia," he said.

The cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that Rahul has stuck to his game plan throughout the series.

"When the new ball moves so much when there is help for the bowlers from the wicket, you have self-doubts, as to how to play those deliveries and whether you would be successful or not. However, if you see his impact points, he didn't make any changes to his game plan," Pujara observed.

Pujara added that Rahul hit loose balls for boundaries and respected the good deliveries. The right-handed opener has struck 23 fours in the series, the most by an Indian player, but has not hit a six.