Babar Azam versus Lokesh Rahul

[jagatk]

Rahul has done nothing extraordinary in tests, he was avaeraging 12 in the 2nd innings before the last match he have not broken any records like Babar have achieved in ODI

If someone is injury prone how can he achive greatness, don't bring Starc in the conversation he is a tall well built fast bowler that requires a lot of energy to bowl.

Rahul is already injury prone at the beginning of his career, those cramps don't lie, he'll get injured and no one will be surprised

his inconsistency is out of this world

Those belter pitches in England ODIs couldn't help Rahul to get going, he failed miserably in that series

Again you are shifting goal post not answering the question i asked, also don't bring in particular innings averages given babar averages a huuge 27 overall. Also if rahul has the eng odi series then azam has australia test series how badly did he fail there when rahul has century in Australia that too in his very first series.

 

[jagatk]

Also kl rahul for all his inconsistency still averages 55 in odis and 56 in t20s.

 

[Citizen4]

Again you are shifting goal post not answering the question i asked, also don't bring in particular innings averages given babar averages a huuge 27 overall. Also if rahul has the eng odi series then azam has australia test series how badly did he fail there when rahul has century in Australia that too in his very first series.

I already answered your query.
Plus Babar was the best batsman in ODI series, he failed in test series so what? He was playing against much better Starc and Hazlewood, also Bird and Lyon have all improved aswell. Rahul only had 1 100, his other 3 scores were 16, and 3 +1 in debut match. nothing else. His inconsistency is awful anyways.

By the time Babar reaches his 25th birthday he'll be an improved player in tests as well, don't forget Babar is younger than Rahul, not injury prone like Rahul, Rahul's injuries can cause regression

 

[Citizen4]

Also kl rahul for all his inconsistency still averages 55 in odis and 56 in t20s.

Babar averages over 100 in t20 )

 

[jagatk]

I already answered your query.
Plus Babar was the best batsman in ODI series, he failed in test series so what? He was playing against much better Starc and Hazlewood, also Bird and Lyon have all improved aswell. Rahul only had 1 100, his other 3 scores were 16, and 3 +1 in debut match. nothing else. His inconsistency is awful anyways.

By the time Babar reaches his 25th birthday he'll be a improved player in tests as well, don't forget Babar is younger than Rahul, not injury prone like Rahul, Rahul's injuries can cause regression

Well you are the one crying about eng odi series, if babar is allowed a failed series isn't rahul allowed one. Also as you say lets see in 2 years how good he actually turns out i have already said so in my first post in this thread, heck we could see it in 3 months, both will be playing CL same pitches same opposition we will see then.

 

[jagatk]

Babar averages over 100 in t20 )

he got out once so the average my friend, rahul's average is same way arbitrary but you are the one bringing in 23 matches to pronounce someone worldclass so i thought anything goes by your rules.

 

[Citizen4]

Well you are the one crying about eng odi series, if babar is allowed a failed series isn't rahul allowed one. Also as you say lets see in 2 years how good he actually turns out i have already said so in my first post in this thread, heck we could see it in 3 months, both will be playing CL same pitches same opposition we will see then.

during those 2 years Rahul will be out injured for at least 6 months so that's 1 and a half for him
I'd be surprised if he stayd fit until CT, very injury prone guy seriously made of glass like Wilshere

 

[jagatk]

during those 2 years Rahul will be out injured for at least 6 months so that's 1 and a half for him
I'd be surprised if he stayd fit until CT, very injury prone guy seriously made of glass like Wilshere

TBF to wheelchair he has played 20+ PL games for bournemouth so not exactly injury prone this season atleast.

 

[Citizen4]

TBF to wheelchair he has played 20+ PL games for bournemouth so not exactly injury prone this season atleast.

he was the synonym for injury prone player

Rahul's cramps doesn't look good, I hope he stays fit though, he'd be a walking wicket for Imad in the 1st over of CT

 

[jusarrived]

we're talking about 2 Indian inconsistent and injury prone openers

you can't see it because delusion is too strong

Inconsistent based on what , less than 50 international innings ? Rahul averages 53 in domestic and Dhawan in comparison is 43 . KL is known for scoring big hundreds and scoring on difficult pitches , Dhawan if anything quite opposite .
At this point you can only talk potential , hes one of the few players in the world who has scored a 100 in all three formats . Six international hundreds in 5 different countries .

 

[Pollack]

Rahul is not injury prone.

 

[Midwinter13992]

Both are very talented players with classic techniques but Rahul seems to be better batsman right now.
In ODIs, babar has upperhand as he has been consistent everywhere played.
Babar has mediocre record in tests whereas Rahul is proving his class from his debut match.
InT20s Babar is well below to Rahul who can change his game any time.
So by now, Rahul is ahead in test and t20s ..
Rahul >>>>>Babar any day of week

 

[captain crook]

I've seen both. Let me tell this. KL Rahul doesn't inspire any confidence when he's at the crease. Babar looks very assured. Pretty sure who's going to end up a better player.

 

[Midwinter13992]

Babar is kid infront of Rahul ..
Babar is hugely overrated on this forum. He is on his way to be another Akmal.

 

[aniket1911]

How well rahul did in WI?

 

[ExpressPacer]

Rahul is galaxies ahead of Babar Azam in Test match cricket. Can't honestly believe this. Babar has been jinxed!

 

[Midwinter13992]

He was never good in longest format of the game..his first class stas are also mediocre ..Some blind fans were just too much overrating him due to some bashing to Grade C bowlers on some flat pitches.

 

[Ellipsism]

He was never good in longest format of the game..his first class stas are also mediocre ..Some blind fans were just too much overrating him due to some bashing to Grade C bowlers on some flat pitches.

NZ bowlers are C grade?
Australian bowlers are C grade?
English bowlers are C grade?

Yes, he isn't the finished product and nor is he some world beater but denying his potential is rubbish.

 

[captain crook]

Give me 1 good overseas match winning innings by Rahul (in Australia, South Africa, England, New Zealand; West Indies doesn't count)! Babar already played gems in New Zealand.

 

[King Kong]

Give me 1 good overseas match winning innings by Rahul (in Australia, South Africa, England, New Zealand; West Indies doesn't count)! Babar already played gems in New Zealand.

He has played 17 tests across 4 series. He has toured 3 countries.

Had a century in his first overseas tour of Australia while Babar completely failed.
Scored a fantastic 150 in his first tour of West Indies. Babar is having a disastrous one.
Scored a match-winning 100 in Sri Lanka against Hearth/Prasad and co.
Scored 199 against England in the recently concluded series.
Had a fabulous series in India against Australia on rank turners.

So, Rahul has done well in EVERY series he has played. See this is not to say KL Rahul is better than Babar, but to prove Rahul is one of the best young talents in the world cricket today. I, for one, feel Babar has a higher ceiling and will end up better than Rahul. But for the time being, Rahul takes it in tests (KL has played only 6 ODIs).

 

[Pollack]

He has played 17 tests across 4 series. He has toured 3 countries.

Had a century in his first overseas tour of Australia while Babar completely failed.
Scored a fantastic 150 in his first tour of West Indies. Babar is having a disastrous one.
Scored a match-winning 100 in Sri Lanka against Hearth/Prasad and co.
Scored 199 against England in the recently concluded series.
Had a fabulous series in India against Australia on rank turners.

So, Rahul has done well in EVERY series he has played. See this is not to say KL Rahul is better than Babar, but to prove Rahul is one of the best young talents in the world cricket today. I, for one, feel Babar has a higher ceiling and will end up better than Rahul. But for the time being, Rahul takes it in tests (KL has played only 6 ODIs).

This is complete destruction of quoted argument.

 

[Cuts_and_cuts_hard]

Disastrous comparison. Rahul is miles ahead. None of our batsmen apart from Azhar hold a candle to the Indian lineup.

 

[Abdullah]

Nightmare series for babar.
Absolutely disastrous.
Hopefully the think tank keep the faith

 

[Pollack]

Babar's innings against New Zealand was impressive but I can totally see Pakistani fans clinging on to it for along time now even if Babar fails consistently after that. He is not better than Rahul neither he would end up better than Rahul in any format unless Rahul has injury ladden career. But it is not necessary that he should be better than Rahul or any other Indian youngster. If he does the job for Pakistan that is all that should matter. Its OK to be a Pakistani great. Winning for your country is more important rather than being better than Indian batsman.

 

[Pollack]

^ *laden

 

[saeed5646]

Babar's innings against New Zealand was impressive but I can totally see Pakistani fans clinging on to it for along time now even if Babar fails consistently after that. He is not better than Rahul neither he would end up better than Rahul in any format unless Rahul has injury ladden career. But it is not necessary that he should be better than Rahul or any other Indian youngster. If he does the job for Pakistan that is all that should matter. Its OK to be a Pakistani great. Winning for your country is more important rather than being better than Indian batsman.

oh really i think you have not check babar stats in odis and t20 he is neck to neck with rahul though rahul

is better in test so far........

remember rahul have played only 8 odis while babar have 26 still he averages in 50s

 

[Pollack]

oh really i think you have not check babar stats in odis and t20 he is neck to neck with rahul though rahul

is better in test so far........

remember rahul have played only 8 odis while babar have 26 still he averages in 50s

I was talking of Technique,Talent and capabilities and not stats. Rahul hasn't played much ODIs or t20Is. He would easily overtake him. Also stats at initial stages of career can be misleading. Trust your eyes and experience while judging batsman in initial stage rather than stats which should also be considered after having played enough.

 

[saeed5646]

I was talking of Technique,Talent and capabilities and not stats. Rahul hasn't played much ODIs or t20Is. He would easily overtake him. Also stats at initial stages of career can be misleading. Trust your eyes and experience while judging batsman in initial stage rather than stats which should also be considered after having played enough.

i have trust in my eyes babar have achieve so much in short span he is on right track and will

succeed further

rahul have not played much if he plays more than one can argue and now pure just on assumption is

premuture

 

[Midwinter13992]

West Indies doesn't count...LOL.
Just because your overrated hero (zero) batted there like a tailender , right???
Even Ashwin has couple of tons there against same bowling line up..
Ashwin is better test batsman than Babar but blind fans compare him with Rahul.
You can only talk about that 90* on Flat track that too in losing cause..
I can see this thread is going in same way as Akmal vs Kohli ������

 

[saeed5646]

West Indies doesn't count...LOL.
Just because your overrated hero (zero) batted there like a tailender , right???
Even Ashwin has couple of tons there against same bowling line up..
Ashwin is better test batsman than Babar but blind fans compare him with Rahul.
You can only talk about that 90* on Flat track that too in losing cause..
I can see this thread is going in same way as Akmal vs Kohli ������

yeah westindies does count babar have 3 consecutive century against them in odis how much rahul have

donot be jealous too much bro first that injury proney guy need to play cricket

 

[captain crook]

He has played 17 tests across 4 series. He has toured 3 countries.

Had a century in his first overseas tour of Australia while Babar completely failed.
Scored a fantastic 150 in his first tour of West Indies. Babar is having a disastrous one.
Scored a match-winning 100 in Sri Lanka against Hearth/Prasad and co.
Scored 199 against England in the recently concluded series.
Had a fabulous series in India against Australia on rank turners.

So, Rahul has done well in EVERY series he has played. See this is not to say KL Rahul is better than Babar, but to prove Rahul is one of the best young talents in the world cricket today. I, for one, feel Babar has a higher ceiling and will end up better than Rahul. But for the time being, Rahul takes it in tests (KL has played only 6 ODIs).

This is complete destruction of quoted argument.

Still waiting to hear if he has any match winning non-Asian overseas (except West Indies) hundreds.

 

[geraltofrivia]

Still waiting to hear if he has any match winning non-Asian overseas (except West Indies) hundreds.

Neither has Babar then. His 90 in NZ was in a loss. Rahul atleast drew in Oz (unlike an entre generation fo Pakistanis)

 

[captain crook]

Neither has Babar then. His 90 in NZ was in a loss. Rahul atleast drew in Oz (unlike an entre generation fo Pakistanis)

Rahul's innings came on a dead flat track. Babar scored on a green wicket.

 

[Mamoon]

There is no shame in admitting that KL Rahul is simply a superior batsman. Technically, he is as good as it gets, and he is more versatile as well. The only reason he is below Babar in ODIs for now is because he has played very little ODI cricket so far. He certainly has a superior game for all formats,year and can be the best opener in the world across all formats over the next few years. He may never reach the heights of Warner and QdK in ODIs, but he is already more well-rounded than Warner in Tests. Comfortably the most complete batsman to emerge out of Asia since Kohli.

However, Babar definitely has what it takes to succeed in Test cricket. He is a run scoring machine who just needs to find his feet in Test cricket. In due time, he should also improve his power-hitting in ODIs. Pakistan cricket is very lucky to have someone like him, easily the best batting prospect for more than a decade.

 

[Rotoman]

Always thought that KL Rahul was an average batsman. During the England series he was nicking off to the keeper and I took it as a technical weakness. Completely changed my opinion during the Aus series though. I was astonished at how at ease he looked against both pace and spin. His control on the offstump was exemplary. Even though, he didn't go big that series he's looked better than all the batsman that series. I'd be surprised if he doesn't overtake Kohli as India's premier test batsman in tests.

As far as the comparison, I think KL Rahul is better than Babar in tests and Babar better than Rahul is ODIS. I think that's going to stay that way their entire career.

 

[Mamoon]

Always thought that KL Rahul was an average batsman. During the England series he was nicking off to the keeper and I took it as a technical weakness. Completely changed my opinion during the Aus series though. I was astonished at how at ease he looked against both pace and spin. His control on the offstump was exemplary. Even though, he didn't go big that series he's looked better than all the batsman that series. I'd be surprised if he doesn't overtake Kohli as India's premier test batsman in tests.

As far as the comparison, I think KL Rahul is better than Babar in tests and Babar better than Rahul is ODIS. I think that's going to stay that way their entire career.

Ability-wise, I believe that he is ahead of anyone in the Indian team including Kohli. At his best, he makes everyone around him look ordinary. However, Kohli's mental game is at a different level and it will be extremely hard for KL Rahul to surpass him. Having said that, he has all the ingredients to India's second best batsman of this era - ahead of Rahane and Pujara - and to become the best opener across all three formats for years to come.

 

[captain crook]

Ability-wise, I believe that he is ahead of anyone in the Indian team including Kohli. At his best, he makes everyone around him look ordinary. However, Kohli's mental game is at a different level and it will be extremely hard for KL Rahul to surpass him. Having said that, he has all the ingredients to India's second best batsman of this era - ahead of Rahane and Pujara - and to become the best opener across all three formats for years to come.

So much OTT statements in this post. Delusional. India's best batsman of this era is Rahane. Kohli and Pujara are dead ducks against the moving ball. Rahul is a slogger. I've seen him slog in test matches, whenever I've seen that is. Just that he made few runs on dead flat tracks in India doesn't make him best opener across all formats for years to come.

 

[Mamoon]

So much OTT statements in this post. Delusional. India's best batsman of this era is Rahane. Kohli and Pujara are dead ducks against the moving ball. Rahul is a slogger. I've seen him slog in test matches, whenever I've seen that is. Just that he made few runs on dead flat tracks in India doesn't make him best opener across all formats for years to come.

I have read enough of your posts on this topic to know that it is not worth engaging with you. I do not have the energy to explain the basics.

 

[R0H1T]

So much OTT statements in this post. Delusional. India's best batsman of this era is Rahane. Kohli and Pujara are dead ducks against the moving ball. Rahul is a slogger. I've seen him slog in test matches, whenever I've seen that is. Just that he made few runs on dead flat tracks in India doesn't make him best opener across all formats for years to come.

You've got no idea what you're talking about. Rahane is like Dravid v1.0 while Rahul is more in the mold of SRT, he's definitely the best bat talent wise in the test team even ahead of Kohli. With Dravid, the ODI's helped him a lot, it was only after he donned the gloves in 2002 that India became a powerhouse in ODI & he became a better version of the wall. His scoring areas & tempo in tests improved dramatically after 2001/02 along with his fortunes in the ODI, Rahane doesn't have that luxury anymore.

He looks like a deer in front of tail lights these days, that can never be a good thing. Before the English tour commenced I'd have said that he is our best test bat, looking at his returns since the WI tour though I'd say his stock has gone down dramatically. He will need to shed the timid aura pretty soon, otherwise the next round of overseas tests will not be kind on his future prospects.

 

[Rotoman]

Ability-wise, I believe that he is ahead of anyone in the Indian team including Kohli. At his best, he makes everyone around him look ordinary. However, Kohli's mental game is at a different level and it will be extremely hard for KL Rahul to surpass him. Having said that, he has all the ingredients to India's second best batsman of this era - ahead of Rahane and Pujara - and to become the best opener across all three formats for years to come.

The way I see Kohli is that he's a mental player in tests. He's not good because he's gifted like someone like Rahul. For me the reason Kohli is where he's at in Tests is because of his will and determination. That's not to say that he's not talented but guys like Rahul can score free-flowing doubles and triples. For Kohli he does it through complete focus.

One other thing that's impressed me with Rahul is how zen-master like he's talking in interviews. Total self-belief. Kind of makes you think that playing with the likes of AB, Kohli and other superstars does wonder for these guys' confidence.

 

[Ab Fan]

Its just a start. Both have a long way to go but both also have got great potential with the bat across all formats.

 

[zain7077]

Is this even a contest now? Finally we have seen a young Pak batsman of the 2010's live up to the hype and an integral part and mainstay of our batting line up whilst Rahul finds himself benched for players like Karthik, Pandey, Jadhav

 

[giri26]

Is this even a contest now? Finally we have seen a young Pak batsman of the 2010's live up to the hype and an integral part and mainstay of our batting line up whilst Rahul finds himself benched for players like Karthik, Pandey, Jadhav

KL Rahul is still a top opener in test cricket for India, in ODI's though Babar has taken off and left Rahul behind. Poor selection policies have failed Rahul in the shorter formats. The guy averages 50 in T20's at a SR of 150 and still gets benched for a guy who averages 20 at 114.

 

[Buffet]

Is this even a contest now? Finally we have seen a young Pak batsman of the 2010's live up to the hype and an integral part and mainstay of our batting line up whilst Rahul finds himself benched for players like Karthik, Pandey, Jadhav

Why it's not a contest? Thread is about all formats.

Test: Rahul 19 tests with 8th rank || Babar 11 tests with nothing in ranking

ODI: Rahul 10 ODIs , nothing in ranking || Babar 36 ODIs with 4th rank

 

[zain7077]

Why it's not a contest? Thread is about all formats.

In terms of stature in world cricket Babar is ahead, I believe he will have a much more fruitful career.

Test: Rahul 19 tests with 8th rank || Babar 11 tests with nothing in ranking

ODI: Rahul 10 ODIs , nothing in ranking || Babar 36 ODIs with 4th rank

In terms of stature in world cricket I believe Babar is well ahead, has more potential and will have a kuch more fruitful career. Normally comparing Indian and Pakistani batsman does not work out well but I think we have a star in the making here.

 

[Buffet]

In terms of stature in world cricket I believe Babar is well ahead,

By doing what exactly?

babar is a very good batsman and he could the best batsman for Pakistan , but not sure about no contest and higher stature. I don't see much basis due to limited sample size for both and then Rahul is among the top 10 test batsmen as well.

 

[zain7077]

Rahul is also turning 26 soon. I am sure many will agree 23-26 are crucial years in the development of a young batsman.

 

[Buffet]

Rahul is also turning 26 soon. I am sure many will agree 23-26 are crucial years in the development of a young batsman.

Not a bad point, but then we are getting into potential and room for improvement argument. That's not the same as currently what both have done and not being a contest.

 

[CadPakFan]

Why it's not a contest? Thread is about all formats.

Test: Rahul 19 tests with 8th rank || Babar 11 tests with nothing in ranking

ODI: Rahul 10 ODIs , nothing in ranking || Babar 36 ODIs with 4th rank

You forgot to mention in T20Is Babar is at 5th rank and Rahul is at the 20th rank.

 

[Buffet]

You forgot to mention in T20Is Babar is at 5th rank and Rahul is at the 20th rank.

How many T20s both have played? Feel free to add. I normally don't even look at T-20 and missed it.

 

[babajee]

How many T20s both have played? Feel free to add. I normally don't even look at T-20 and missed it.

That’s Rahul’s problem.

He’ll never be able to compete with Babar if he keeps getting injured

 

[giri26]

How many T20s both have played? Feel free to add. I normally don't even look at T-20 and missed it.

KL Rahul has played 9 T20 internationals and Babar has played 11. KL averages 50.66 at a SR of 149. Babar averages 54 at a SR of 125. There is no comparison between the two in tests as Rahul is clearly ahead here and the same can be said of ODI's as Babar is way ahead of Rahul here. T20 is kind of a tie.

 

[zain7077]

Babar has 1000 more international runs, has actually dominated numerous series which is evident in his 2 MOS awards and is hailed as a more prized scalp for the opposition. He also has a better international average despite the larger sample size and has a much higher ceiling. Surely there is some flaw in KL Rahul the mgmnt see which is preventing him from finding a place in the Indian XI especially considering he is close eith Kohli

 

[QalandarFan]

Tests:

So far Rahul has been much better, I have been disappointed with Babar in the longest format but know he will come good he is only 23 so he's got plenty of time.

Babar Azam - 3/10 Lokesh Rahul - 7/10

ODI's:

Babar is way ahead of Rahul in the ODI format with 7 hundred and an average of 59, he has also got a great strike rate in the high 80's. Rahul averages 8 with a high score of 17 against teams other than Zimbabwe! Plus all those matches were played in the Sub-Continent.

Babar Azam - 9/10 Lokesh Rahul - 3/10

T20I's:

It is pretty close both average above 50 with Babar has the lower strike rate, 126 while Rahul's is 149. But Babar I feel has been more consistent and therefore gets the slight edge from me.

Babar Azam - 9/10 Lokesh Rahul - 8/10

Overall:

Babar Azam - 21/30

Lokesh Rahul - 18/30

Winner - Babar Azam

 

[QalandarFan]

As you can see they both have a format where they can improve largely and they both have formats where they are doing well. They are both quite young and have some time to improve hoping to see Babar score a hundred somewhere down the line in Tests. I still remember his 90 odd against New Zealand last year it is still one of his favorite innings of mine. Not to mention he scored it with wickets tumbling and on a pretty difficult track to bat on. He has done so well in NZ hoping to see him do well in Jan next year as well.

 

[giri26]

Babar has 1000 more international runs, has actually dominated numerous series which is evident in his 2 MOS awards and is hailed as a more prized scalp for the opposition. He also has a better international average despite the larger sample size and has a much higher ceiling. Surely there is some flaw in KL Rahul the mgmnt see which is preventing him from finding a place in the Indian XI especially considering he is close eith Kohli

There is no flaw with KL Rahul. He just was always a replacement for Vijay or Dhawan in tests and was behind Rohit and Dhawan in ODI's. When he was establishing himself as the prime ODI opener he got injured and Dhawan made a comeback and performed brilliantly. KL Rahul opened for India in the absence or either Vijay or Dhawan over last year of so and averaged 53. His ODI average as an opener was 55 before India decided to move him to number 4 after Dhawan struck form. His T20 average is 50.66 at a phenomenal SR of 149. He just has been unlucky and the selection process currently in the Indian team has been pretty ordinary.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Rahul is still ahead. Babar will take over once he starts batting with more intent and for that he needs a reliable partner(s) in the middle order.

 

[coy0607]

Rahul is still ahead. Babar will take over once he starts batting with more intent and for that he needs a reliable partner(s) in the middle order.

Malik is about as reliable as it gets

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Malik is about as reliable as it gets

Against the big dogs, he hasn't been. 30-40s but no big innings or dominating a series like Babar has.

 

[zain7077]

Against the big dogs, he hasn't been. 30-40s but no big innings or dominating a series like Babar has.

Why do u feel Rahul is infront? He has achieved zilch in LOI in terms of consistency

 

[coy0607]

Against the big dogs, he hasn't been. 30-40s but no big innings or dominating a series like Babar has.

the point is, Malik was very reliable against SL. Babar still didn't show intent while batting with him

 

[Chief Destroyer]

the point is, Malik was very reliable against SL. Babar still didn't show intent while batting with him

These pitches are not conducive to strokeplay especially this series. Malik is a gun against spin that's why he could accelerate. Babar has a lot to learn against spin, with his leverage he should be eating the ball before it can turn. Malik needs to teach him.

 

[Bilal7]

Babar Azam is the better batsman. He'll catch fire in the test format soon enough and go down as a future ATG.

Rahul is quite talented in his own right and the management should really consider dropping Rohit for Rahul, permanently.

 

[QalandarFan]

There is no flaw with KL Rahul. He just was always a replacement for Vijay or Dhawan in tests and was behind Rohit and Dhawan in ODI's. When he was establishing himself as the prime ODI opener he got injured and Dhawan made a comeback and performed brilliantly. KL Rahul opened for India in the absence or either Vijay or Dhawan over last year of so and averaged 53. His ODI average as an opener was 55 before India decided to move him to number 4 after Dhawan struck form. His T20 average is 50.66 at a phenomenal SR of 149. He just has been unlucky and the selection process currently in the Indian team has been pretty ordinary.

More like before he started playing teams other than Zimbabwe. Here is a rundown of his performances -

Against Zimbabwe

100 (115) Opening
33 (50) Opening
63 (70) Opening

Since that series against other teams - England and Sri Lanka both in Asia

8 (18) OPENING vs England
5 (5) OPENING vs England
11 (11) OPENING vs England
4 (6) #3 vs Sri Lanka
17 (24) #4 vs Sri Lanka
7 (8) #5 vs Sri Lanka

So you can take a look for yourself he only batted at #4 or lower twice! So there is no point in arguing that he is a better ODI prospect than Babar Azam because the numbers speak for themselves he's averaged 8 since that series against Zimbabwe so it's pretty clear the reason he averaged that high was because he faced Zimbabwe not the fact he was opening. The rest is there for you to see I won't say anymore than that.

 

[QalandarFan]

Rahul is still ahead. Babar will take over once he starts batting with more intent and for that he needs a reliable partner(s) in the middle order.

Do you mind explaining in what way, shape, or form Rahul is ahead of Babar?

 

[zain7077]

Interested to hear [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] 's thoughts

 

[QalandarFan]

There is no shame in admitting that KL Rahul is simply a superior batsman. Technically, he is as good as it gets, and he is more versatile as well. The only reason he is below Babar in ODIs for now is because he has played very little ODI cricket so far. He certainly has a superior game for all formats,year and can be the best opener in the world across all formats over the next few years. He may never reach the heights of Warner and QdK in ODIs, but he is already more well-rounded than Warner in Tests. Comfortably the most complete batsman to emerge out of Asia since Kohli.

However, Babar definitely has what it takes to succeed in Test cricket. He is a run scoring machine who just needs to find his feet in Test cricket. In due time, he should also improve his power-hitting in ODIs. Pakistan cricket is very lucky to have someone like him, easily the best batting prospect for more than a decade.

Has your opinion changed yet or not?

 

[another drop catch]

Rahul is well ahead in true format of the game(test mayches )
so ultimately winner is Lokesh Rahul

 

[Buffet]

That’s Rahul’s problem.

He’ll never be able to compete with Babar if he keeps getting injured

Well, as posted above, both have played just 9-11 T-20. Nothing kind of sample size to be honest. Unless sample size is 25-30, it's meaningless to compare average or anything else.

 

[Buffet]

Rahul is well ahead in true format of the game(test mayches )
so ultimately winner is Lokesh Rahul

I think Babar will also do well, just need to get one big knock to feel confident.

 

[giri26]

More like before he started playing teams other than Zimbabwe. Here is a rundown of his performances -

Against Zimbabwe

100 (115) Opening
33 (50) Opening
63 (70) Opening

Since that series against other teams - England and Sri Lanka both in Asia

8 (18) OPENING vs England
5 (5) OPENING vs England
11 (11) OPENING vs England
4 (6) #3 vs Sri Lanka
17 (24) #4 vs Sri Lanka
7 (8) #5 vs Sri Lanka

So you can take a look for yourself he only batted at #4 or lower twice! So there is no point in arguing that he is a better ODI prospect than Babar Azam because the numbers speak for themselves he's averaged 8 since that series against Zimbabwe so it's pretty clear the reason he averaged that high was because he faced Zimbabwe not the fact he was opening. The rest is there for you to see I won't say anymore than that.

Please read my post, I never said he is better ODI prospect. I said Babar is way ahead of Rahul in ODI's. Rahul has done very well in tests where he is ahead of Babar. I just pointed out inconsistency in selections but never did I mention that he is better prospect than Babar in ODI's.

Here is my post from above:

KL Rahul has played 9 T20 internationals and Babar has played 11. KL averages 50.66 at a SR of 149. Babar averages 54 at a SR of 125. There is no comparison between the two in tests as Rahul is clearly ahead here and the same can be said of ODI's as Babar is way ahead of Rahul here. T20 is kind of a tie.

 

[QalandarFan]

Please read my post, I never said he is better ODI prospect. I said Babar is way ahead of Rahul in ODI's. Rahul has done very well in tests where he is ahead of Babar. I just pointed out inconsistency in selections but never did I mention that he is better prospect than Babar in ODI's.

Here is my post from above:

KL Rahul has played 9 T20 internationals and Babar has played 11. KL averages 50.66 at a SR of 149. Babar averages 54 at a SR of 125. There is no comparison between the two in tests as Rahul is clearly ahead here and the same can be said of ODI's as Babar is way ahead of Rahul here. T20 is kind of a tie.

My bad but I was referring to the part where you stated he averaged 55 before he got moved to number 4 and I am arguing that is not the reason.

 

[zain7077]

That would make williamsom, root and smith all better than Kohli wouldn't it?

 

[zain7077]

Rahul is well ahead in true format of the game(test mayches )
so ultimately winner is Lokesh Rahul

That would make smith root and willaimson all better than Kohli but of course u won't admit that

 

[zain7077]

Lokesh Rahul has better acceleration however

 

[R0H1T]

Babar Azam is the better batsman. He'll catch fire in the test format soon enough and go down as a future ATG.

Rahul is quite talented in his own right and the management should really consider dropping Rohit for Rahul, permanently.

Absolutely against the moving ball Sharmaji is a bigger hole in 1 than even Dhawan, that;s to say that even Dhawan is more reliable against seam or swing than him.

KL is class against the moving ball, arguably the best (Indian) opener in hostile conditions I've seen since Sunny or Dravid circa England 2011. Somehow Kohli has also fallen prey to this "favorites" disease, Dhoni loved his trundlers & Raina for too long & India paid a heavy price for it. Seems Kohli loves his Sharmas & all

 

[Gunner85]

Absolutely against the moving ball Sharmaji is a bigger hole in 1 than even Dhawan, that;s to say that even Dhawan is more reliable against seam or swing than him.

KL is class against the moving ball, arguably the best (Indian) opener in hostile conditions I've seen since Sunny or Dravid circa England 2011. Somehow Kohli has also fallen prey to this "favorites" disease, Dhoni loved his trundlers & Raina for too long & India paid a heavy price for it. Seems Kohli loves his Sharmas & all

I cannot understand your hatred for Rohit.He is indias best ODI batsman after Kohli.check his record in England or Australia before commenting.

 

[R0H1T]

I cannot understand your hatred for Rohit.He is indias best ODI batsman after Kohli.check his record in England or Australia before commenting.

Check his record against the moving ball, he gets out almost as consistently as he scores on flat tracks. His record against the left armers, especially is horrendous when the ball moves. Dhawan for what it's worth has been a superstar in all ICC events, except the WT20.

 

[Gunner85]

Check his record against the moving ball, he gets out almost as consistently as he scores on flat tracks. His record against the left armers, especially is horrendous when the ball moves. Dhawan for what it's worth has been a superstar in all ICC events, except the WT20.

How can one check record against moving ball.then can we check Kohli's record against bowls outside his offstump in test cricket and say he is a bad batman in tests.This is ridiculous argument for droping a player.Fact of the matter is Rohit is India's no.1 ODI opener

 

[another drop catch]

That would make smith root and willaimson all better than Kohli but of course u won't admit that

yes surlely There is no shame in admitting that kohli is below Root and Smith but he is well ahead of Wilamson in Test cricket(Real format) in which he is improving remarkably .
but if you compare them in all formats no one can reach close to king Kohli
Same cant be said about Babar though