Is KL Rahul a future number 3 for India?

[transitional]

This guy looks like a complete batsman. He has scored 100s overseas and now in India. I think Pujara will struggle overseas and may not be in the team after 3-4 years. His game is limited. I think we have a legend in making in KL Rahul. We might risk not making full use of his potential if he keeps opening the innings. Not everyone can be Virender Sehwag.

Opening is a tough gig, there are more chances of getting a scorcher, batting with < 10 overs left in day, bowlers are fresh, etc, which will mean we will not always be getting the best out of Rahul. I dont think Rahul opens for his first class team. He looks more assured than anyone in the Indian lineup except Kohli. He can play on frontfoot and back, he can step down to spinners and play sweep equally well. He scores at a good clip too. I think he should bat at 3 in the long term in tests. Not now. Longer term. I am assuming Indians will produce good openers a few years down the line, who can take the role.

 

[Ab Fan]

Pujara is already on his way to be regarded as greatest no.3 bat for India in Asian conditions. Doubt one can replace him.

Overseas, it will depend on Pujara's form.

 

[Thivagar]

He seems like a very good batsman, will definitely force Pujara to work twice as hard. Didn't like the way how he reacted when he missed out his double century, seems like he is after milestone like Sachin.

 

[Mamoon]

Special talent. Across all formats, he will be India's second best batsman, ahead of Rahane and Rohit.

He is fine as an opener across all formats.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Continue him as opener. He's going to become a serious threat.

 

[RamLakhan]

This is probably just from his personal perspective! But he has better chance to be part of the team as opener (and India requires opener! Will be really good if he opens in all formats and we get rid of one of Rohit/Dhawan)

And there is too much competition in Indian Middle order

 

[Hail-Akram]

This is probably just from his personal perspective! But he has better chance to be part of the team as opener (and India requires opener! Will be really good if he opens in all formats and we get rid of one of Rohit/Dhawan)

And there is too much competition in Indian Middle order

That's right ... We need a replacement for Rohit / Dhawan. They are good, but highly inconsistent.

 

[Statsman]

That's right ... We need a replacement for Rohit / Dhawan. They are good, but highly inconsistent.

Replace Rohit / Dhawan in ODIs? Why?

 

[JaDed]

Too many loose shots,also in the match Nair stole his thunder.

 

[ExpressPacer]

That's right ... We need a replacement for Rohit / Dhawan. They are good, but highly inconsistent.

Even though Dhawan is quite good too but Rohit is a beast, especially in SC. You see, Rahul may be more talented than him (debatable) but Rohit adds the X factor to the line up. He's someone who on his day can singlehandedly win India games. Someone who can hit sixes at will. Rahul is more of an accumulator, not someone slow and not someone who can't hit sixes but doesn't quite have the strength Rohit brings to the table. Also with Dhoni's gradual decline, India need to keep playing Rohit.

 

[Hasan123]

Very good young batsmen, keep him as an opener. India should look to find a slot for him in the LO team.

 

[JattMaula]

Very good young batsmen, keep him as an opener. India should look to find a slot for him in the LO team.

He is India's first choice No.4 in LOs.

 

[Justcrazy]

India have too many good batsmen coming up , very solid bench strength.

 

[Sin Nombre]

Agree with mamoon that Rahul is the second player in the current Indian team to be an all-format ATG.

Pujara is not going anywhere. He is a beast in subcontinental conditions and averaged 70 in SA. IMO he is already India's 2nd or 3rd best #3 all-time behind Dravid and tied with Amarnath.

Even though Dhawan is quite good too but Rohit is a beast, especially in SC. You see, Rahul may be more talented than him (debatable) but Rohit adds the X factor to the line up. He's someone who on his day can singlehandedly win India games. Someone who can hit sixes at will. Rahul is more of an accumulator, not someone slow and not someone who can't hit sixes but doesn't quite have the strength Rohit brings to the table. Also with Dhoni's gradual decline, India need to keep playing Rohit.

Rohit is not going anywhere in ODIs. He is world class in that format and plays well together with Kohli. Rahul will be the #4 in LOIs.

Rohit
Dhawan
Kohli
Rahul
Dhoni
Pandey (needs to have a good series soon though, that innings in Aus will at some point hold no weight)

will be the top 6. Shami and Bumrah are the first choice seamers. Lots of competition for the remaining 3 spots.

 

[Hasan123]

He is India's first choice No.4 in LOs.

Thought he might be an opener

 

[Ab Fan]

Need to be more consistent and not throw his wicket on cheap scores too often.

 

[street cricketer]

Lmao replace Pujara?

He may just become the best ever batsman in Asia.

 

[MenInG]

Bit embarrassing when you are the first one out at 0 when all others seem to be having a ball