KL Rahul is the next big thing
What's the story
In a team that has the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay vying for one of the two opening slots in test matches, KL Rahul is slowly, but surely staking his claim.
Today's innings is his 7th consecutive 50+ score in tests.
For a player who hasn't had a lot of chances to prove himself, this is a huge deal.
Here's more!
Slow but steady
This is how he started
Having made a disastrous debut at the 2014 MCG Test, Rahul quickly redeemed himself at SCG scoring his maiden test ton in his second test itself.
For a country like India that predominantly focuses on the limited overs format, the fact that a youngster was called up to debut against the Aussies on their home ground points to the calibre of the player.
Maverick much?
Versatile across formats
KL Rahul is the first player to score a ton in all three formats of the game within his first 20 innings.
If nothing else, this shows the breathtaking pace at which the player is maturing.
Boasting healthy averages of 44.89, 55 and 56 in tests, ODIs and T20s, he has truly proven himself to be a maverick.
Records
Securing a stranglehold on opening slot
KL Rahul has now scored 4 tons in the 18 test matches he has played in, ably supported by 8 50+ scores.
With the highest score of 199 in the international format and a triple ton in domestic, he has left little room for doubt about his abilities.
Among the current contenders for the opening slot, he seems to be ahead of the rest.
Clean Hitter
What makes him unique
One skill set that has to be in your resume if you want to survive in today's competitive cricket circuit is to hit hard, hit long and hit clean.
His strike rates of 56.90, 81.78 and 150.53 prove that anything he hits, remains hit for a long time.
His blistering maiden ton in T20s against West Indies is a testament to that.
Home and away
A man for all seasons
It is interesting to note that Rahul happens to be one of the few individuals whose stats on away tours seem to be on par with those corresponding to home seasons.
Playing equal times home and away (15 innings), he has notched up 708 runs at home at an average of 50.57.
Away, he has scored 634 runs at a brisk average of 42.46.
Playing style
And a long way to go!
Rahul has proved time and again, that unlike his namesake and idol, he is capable of adapting quickly to the different formats.
His classic technique is a treat to watch in the longer formats, while his power hitting in the shorter formats has helped India on multiple occasions.
In a bejewelled roster of Indian batting, Rahul is one that shines bright.