AUS vs IND 2025: ‘He’s nearly batted in all 11 positions’ - Glenn McGrath surprised by KL Rahul’s constant shuffle in batting lineup

Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath expressed surprise at seeing Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul being constantly shuffled in the batting order for India. During the Perth ODI against Australia, Rahul was made to bat at No. 6, with Axar Patel promoted ahead of him. Although No. 5 had been his usual position in the lineup, the first match of the series saw him moved once again.

McGrath noted that Rahul has batted at all 11 positions at some point in his career. While acknowledging Rahul’s versatility,

the veteran fast bowler admitted that he personally would have found it difficult to adapt to such constant changes. He also added that frequent shuffling in the batting order can negatively affect a player’s confidence.

"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 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," said McGrath on the Fast Bowling YouTube channel.

The 33-year-old scored 38 off 31 balls to help the Men in Blue post a total of 136 for nine in their 26 overs in the rain-affected Perth ODI. However, the effort proved insufficient as the hosts cruised to victory by seven wickets, chasing down the target in 21.1 overs.

Having started his career as an opener, Rahul has since batted as low as No. 7 in the order. His most successful position, though, has been No. 5, where he has accumulated 1299 runs at an impressive average of 56.47, including two centuries and nine fifties.

McGrath also commented on the struggles of India’s senior batters, noting that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were found out in Perth after both failed in the first ODI. Rohit was dismissed for 8 runs by Josh Hazlewood, while Kohli was sent back for a duck by Mitchell Starc. Both stalwarts will be keen to bounce back in the second ODI, scheduled for October 23 in Adelaide.

"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 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.