The England great believes KL Rahul’s evolved batting style and consistency make him the ideal No. 4 and wicketkeeper for India’s T20 side.
New Delhi, April 29:
England legend Kevin Pietersen has thrown his support behind veteran Indian batter KL Rahul for a T20I comeback, praising his remarkable evolution in white-ball cricket over the past couple of years.
Rahul, who played a pivotal role in India’s run to the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final and success at this year’s ICC Champions Trophy, has been a consistent performer in the 50-over format. However, the 33-year-old has not featured in T20Is since India’s semi-final loss to England at the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, where he scored 128 runs across six matches at a modest average of 21.33.
Since then, Rahul has impressed with his domestic T20 performances. He finished as the seventh-highest run-scorer in IPL 2023, amassing 520 runs for Lucknow Super Giants at an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.12, with four fifties. This season, now representing Delhi Capitals, Rahul has elevated his game further, scoring 364 runs in eight innings at an average of 60.66 with a strike rate above 146, including three half-centuries.
Working closely with Rahul in his role as Delhi Capitals’ mentor, Pietersen believes Rahul deserves a place in India’s T20I side — not as an opener, but as a reliable No. 4 and wicketkeeper-batter.
“I would bat KL at four for India in T20 cricket,” Pietersen said during a post-match press conference after Delhi Capitals’ match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
“You guys have plenty of opening batters. With Surya [Suryakumar Yadav] and others at the top, KL Rahul’s current form makes him my first choice at No. 4 and behind the stumps.”
Rahul’s standout knock this IPL season — an unbeaten 93* off 53 balls against RCB — has further cemented his case.
Pietersen also praised Rahul’s willingness to adapt his game, especially transitioning from a technically sound defensive player to an aggressive T20 specialist.
“KL has been playing in a very positive manner since late last year. We saw how he finished matches for India and nearly sealed the deal at the Champions Trophy in Dubai,” Pietersen said.
Reflecting on his conversations with Rahul, Pietersen added,
“It’s very difficult when you grow up being taught pure defence and then, in your 30s, have to reinvent yourself for a format that’s constantly evolving. The way he’s accepted and embraced that change speaks volumes about his character.”
Pietersen concluded by lauding Rahul’s positivity, discipline, and sharp cricketing mind, calling him a player who has matured into a true match-winner for India.