Batting for Rahul as Opener at the Adelaide Day-Nighter

Given his focus, clarity and that he isn't a stop-gap opener, if one were to take a punt, Rahul should continue to bat at the top like he did in Perth

- ASHISH MAGOTRA

KL Rahul was ready for the questions. He had the answers too but he just didn't give them out. Two days before the second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy begins in Adelaide, the discussion around where Rohit Sharma will bat has been intense but having made his debut in Australia a decade ago, Rahul knows when to keep quiet.

In Rohit's absence, the 32-year-old from Bengaluru settled into the opener's slot as if he was made for the job. He was among India's best batters at Perth but whether it was good enough to convince the skipper to move down the order remains to be seen. While it is a mystery for the media and the fans currently, the team management has already made up its mind.

"I've been told (my position),"" said Rahul on Wednesday. "But I've also been told not to share it. We'll have to wait for day one or maybe when the captain (Rohit) comes here tomorrow."

At the same time, Rahul issued a disclaimer as well: "I've said this before. I just want to be in the playing XI. Pick me in wherever. I just want to go there, bat and play for the team."

It's when Rahul speaks like this that one realises how long he has been around for. His technique has come in for praise but just as impressive was his composure and that was on display in the press conference too.

"I just go there and see what I need to do in that given scenario," said Rahul. "Whenever I walk in, what is it that the team requires, what is it that I need to do to get runs from there on. I try and keep my game as simple as I can."

Seasoned player