BGT 2024/25: 'Don’t want someone like him..,' Manjrekar against Rahul taking opening slot for Perth Test

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar is against KL Rahul opening the innings in the first Test between India and Australia, in Perth. Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25 editionopener, which gets underway on Friday (Nov 22), there are chances of Rahul returning to the opening slot in absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma. However, Manjrekar feels it won't be the best idea as Rahul is low on confidence and the team won't benefit having someone like him batting at the top.

'It’s not like KL Rahul as an opening option is setting the stage on fire'

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Manjrekar said, "It’s not like KL Rahul as an opening option is setting the stage on fire. Going by the reality, KL Rahul currently you can see, you’ve got to feel for him, I love him as a player the kind of talent he has. He looks a bit down on confidence and you don’t want someone like him batting at the top of the order because much of the tempo of the innings is set at the start number 1,2 and 3."

Rahul didn't have a great run in India's home season, where they hosted Bangladesh in two Tests and New Zealand in a three-match series. Rahul scored a magnificent 101, batting at No. 6, against South Africa in Centurion, however, he has not been consistent here there on. In the home season, he scored a solitary fifty (68), versus the Bangla Tigers, and was removed from the playing XI for the last two Tests versus the Kiwis.

Since 2022, Rahul has 514 runs in 12 Tests, with an average of 25.7 in 21 innings with three half-centuries and a ton. While he has opened in Tests before taking over the lower-middle order slot, his numbers as an opener in Australia are not impressive. The 32-year-old has only 183 runs inseven innings at an average of 26.14, with one century.

Manjrekar further added, "I’m going by KL Rahul for the work he’s done down the order and very recently in South Africa. He was batting at number six with a softer Kookaburra ball and if he has to bat with the tailenders, I feel he will be terrific where he’s got the big game as well. So I see KL is better used and has more chances of KL Rahul adding value to the team at that position."

Apart from Rohit, India's batting order is also likely to be without Shubman Gill -- who is recovering from a thumb injury ahead of the Perth Test.