Glenn McGrath praises versatile KL Rahul after AUS vs IND 1st ODI

Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has showered praise on India’s wicket-keeper bat KL Rahul for consistently playing different roles for the team. McGrath highlighted that the right-hander has consistently delivered despite batting at different positions in the batting order.

Rahul, who mostly bats at number five in ODIs, was demoted to number six in the opening ODI against Australia at the Optus Stadium, Perth, on Sunday. The flamboyant batter scored an impressive knock of 38 runs off 31 balls.

Rahul has scored 3081 runs in 86 ODI matches at an average of 48.9. The wicket-keeper has consistently delivered in the middle order and had also played an instrumental role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, scoring 141 runs. 

Glenn McGrath said on the Fast Bowling Cartel YouTube Channel, “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.”

On the other hand, Rohit was dismissed after scoring only eight runs, Kohli was sent back to the pavilion without troubling the scorers in the opening ODI against Australia. McGrath said the veteran duo were found wanting on a difficult Perth wicket.

“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,” said McGrath (via the aforementioned source).

The second ODI between India and Australia will be played at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday.