AND Shubman GillThe emergence of as an all-format opener may also be why Rahul beats in the middle order.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the first Test, Rahul said he would be more than happy to do so if needed, when asked if he would like to bat in the middle order where he started his Test career in 2014.
“If it comes up, then I’m more than happy to do it. Whatever little cricket I’ve played for the country, I’ve always done it.
“Whatever the team has asked me to do, I try to prepare myself that way and try to do my best for the team, and if that’s something the team wants me to do here, I’ll be more than happy to do it,” Rahul said, though the order is unlikely to descend.
Rahul also spoke about pitches that will offer help to spinners and admitted the team could be tempted by turners able to play three spinners in Nagpur.
“There will be a temptation to play three spinners. We are playing in India where the pitches will turn. But it’s too early to know what exactly the pitch will do,” Rahul said in a pre-match press conference. .
Rahul also clarified that the batsmen have honed their spin skills and admitted that the series is a must win for India as they have their eyes on the Trial World Championship (WTC) final.
“We have been working on how to play spin. We know what the rolls will be like in India and what to expect. With that in mind we are practicing. We each have individual plans, we each want to play our way which was discussed with the group,” Rahul said.
“It’s a series to win. When it’s India versus Australia, both teams want to win and it’s a great series. It’s no different than any other Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. We realize that we want to play the World Test Championship Final, but we also want to stay in the present and take it one game at a time,” added the hitter.
