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Rahul happy to bat anywhere for star-studded India

3 minute read

Resurgent Indian batter KL Rahul believes the tourists can take confidence for the rest of the series from their demolition of Australia in Perth.

After starring on his return to the top of the order, KL Rahul insists he is happy to bat anywhere in the star-studded Indian line-up.

Rahul, who only played in the first Test due to captain Rohit Sharma taking parental leave, is a lock to feature at the Adelaide Oval.

The 32-year-old hit an important 26, before combining with emerging superstar Yashasvi Jaiswal for a record 201-run opening partnership in the second innings to set up the commanding 295-run victory in Perth.

But with Rohit and No.3 Shubman Gill (thumb) available to play in the second Test, India will need to reshuffle a winning team for the second Test.

Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel are set to make way for Rohit and Gill.

Rohit could slide down to No.5 for the pink-ball Test so Rahul and Jaiswal can build on the success they had together at Optus Stadium.

"I've been told, but I've also been told not to share it," Rahul said when asked if he knew what position he would be batting in Adelaide.

"I missed out in the New Zealand series, I didn't play the last two games, but I was told to be ready and there might be a chance for me to open the batting (in Australia).

"Opening is something that I've done for a long time in my career, so I just had to go back and practise a little bit more. 

"I just want to be in the playing XI. Fit me in wherever."

Rahul believes India can take confidence from the Perth demolition, just the country's second Test win in the city known for producing fast and bouncy pitches.

"Really happy with the way we played and it does give you a lot of confidence when you travel to Australia and win the first game, and win it in a way that we did," he said.

"So much is spoken about Perth being the fastest wicket in Australia, and teams that travel here have really struggled in the past. 

"But Perth is back in Perth, the pink ball is going to be different.

"One thing that's been spoken a lot in the dressing room is to win sessions, not really worry about winning the whole game, or talking about what happens on day four or day five."