It seems like KL Rahul and skipper Shubman Gill have finally found their rhythm in the Test arena, and former India selector Devang Gandhi believes it all boils down to one crucial factor: clarity in their batting roles. For too long, Rahul especially has been a victim of positional musical chairs, bouncing from No. 3 to No. 6. But with Rohit Sharma stepping away from the red-ball format, Rahul has firmly cemented his spot at the top alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.

And with the crucial No. 4 slot, once Virat Kohli’s domain, now entrusted to Gill, both seem to be flourishing with the newfound assurance. Devan Gandhi’s insights highlight a long-standing issue that often plagues talented cricketers – inconsistency in their designated roles. Rahul’s journey, in particular, has been a testament to this, with his talent often overshadowed by the constant shuffling.

Now, with the opening slot secured, he can focus on what he does best. We saw the immediate impact in the first Test against England, where both Gill and Rahul notched up centuries. While their individual brilliance couldn’t prevent a loss, it’s a clear indication of their growing comfort and confidence.

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Recalling his time as a selector, Devang Gandhi shared an interesting anecdote about Gill. Head coach Rahul Dravid, known for his keen eye for talent, had already identified Gill’s potential in the middle order during India A tours.

It was in that very position that Gill produced one of his most impressive first-class performances. As Gandhi rightly put it to the Times of India, “Both Rahul and Gill are assured of their batting numbers… They probably feel more secure of their places now. They must be relishing being the leaders in the batting line-up now.”

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Despite the disappointing loss in the first Test, there were plenty of individual heroics to celebrate. Rishabh Pant was simply sensational, smashing centuries in both innings, while Rahul, Gill, and Jaiswal all joined the century club. On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah was his usual menacing self, picking up a fifer in the first innings. While the team couldn’t convert these stellar performances into a victory, the foundations are clearly there. They’ll be looking to turn the tide and bounce back strong in the second Test, kicking off on July 2nd at Edgbaston.