Australian pacer Glenn McGrath has expressed surprise at KL Rahul constantly being asked to change his batting order by the Indian team management.

In recent years, India have utilised Rahul in different batting positions and he also performs the wicketkeeping duties in ODIs.

During the first ODI against Australia in Perth last Sunday (October 19), Rahul top-scored for India with a 31-ball 38 while batting at No. 6. He batted at No. 6 on multiple occasions during the Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year, and currently plays the role of an opener in the Test format.

Speaking on the Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube channel, McGrath hailed Rahul as a versatile player while also highlighting that such changes can mess one's confidence.

"They've sort of moved him around. I think he's nearly batted at all 11 positions at some stage. It must be tough for him to adapt. But he's one of those versatile players. He top-scored for India in fairly tough conditions. So from opening down to I am not sure how low he has batted. Sometimes that can mess your confidence up but I think for him, maybe he's just used to it and just adapts. He keeps as well, so he's a very versatile player," McGrath said.

McGrath also said that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's lack of match practice was exposed in Perth. While Rohit scored just 8, Virat was dismissed by Mitchell Starc for a duck. It was the first time that both stalwarts played international cricket since the Champions Trophy final.

The Perth ODI marked Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s return to international cricket for the first time since March 2025. However, the veteran duo failed to live up the expectations, returning with scores 8 and 0 respectively.

According to McGrath, Rohit and Kohli's lack of match practice was exposed in the series opener.

"There was a lot of talk going into the match about the two greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. They've not had a lot of cricket under their belt. And I think they got found out a little bit on a pitch that has got a Little bit more pace and a lot more bounce than what they're used to back in India," he remarked.

India and Australia will now square off in the second ODI of the three-match series at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday (October 23). It will be a must win game for the tourists to stay alive in the series.