KL Rahul has 3257 runs in 58 Tests at an average of 33.57.
Former India batsman Aakash Chopra advised KL Rahul to step up in England in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and take advantage of his senior status.
Rahul began the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia on a high note, scoring hard hits in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane, but struggled in Melbourne and Sydney.
India has picked a very young lineup for the forthcoming five-match series against England, which begins June 20. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests, Rahul and Rishabh Pant will take on the majority of the responsibilities. These two are among the few members of the squad with prior experience playing in England.
Rahul opened the batting alongside Rohit Sharma in the 2021-22 series against England in the UK. Thanks to the stars provided by these two, India went on to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Chopra has just one request for KL Rahul: Do not taper off after starting the series on a good note.
"For Rahul, there is one thing on my mind that the entire series does not turn out to be good despite him getting off to a good start. Whether it is the series of Australia, the series of England, or the series of South Africa. The start was very good, but he tapers off towards the end. So at some stage, you need to figure out that it is not possible to make 80 in the first match and 100 in the second but then finish the series with an average of 30,” Chopra said on JioHotstar.
“I want a series of averages of 47, 48, 52, 54. And no better time to do this than now. Because you are not new, Rohit is not there, and Kohli is not there. There will be more responsibility. KL Rahul is one of those who played the whole series last time. So, KL, you have a little more responsibility,” he added.
KL Rahul has played 58 Tests in his career, but he has failed to set the stage on fire, averaging only 33.57. He may have achieved an eight century, but he has consistently closed the series on a down note, despite opening with an 80 or 100.
The series between India and England will begin on June 20. The five matches will be played across Leeds, Edgbaston, Lord's Cricket Ground, Manchester, and the Oval.