KL Rahul to Play Key Role for India in Upcoming Home Test Series Against South Africa
KL Rahul is set to be a vital member of the Indian cricket team as they prepare to face South Africa in a two-match Test series at home starting November 14. The series will kick off at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by the second Test at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Rahul has recently formed an impressive opening partnership with the young talent Yashasvi Jaiswal. Aside from their left-right batting combination, the duo complements each other well with contrasting batting styles. While Jaiswal often takes the aggressor’s role, Rahul excels at patiently grinding down the opposition.
In this feature, we take a closer look at KL Rahul’s Test opening statistics and compare them with those of South African batter Aiden Markram. Both players have opened in 44 Tests so far, making for an intriguing comparison.
### KL Rahul vs Aiden Markram: Runs and Batting Average After 44 Tests as Opener
After opening in 44 Tests, KL Rahul has scored 2,551 runs at an average of 34.94. His performances against key oppositions include:
– 830 runs in 11 Tests against England, averaging 41.50
– 614 runs in 10 Tests against Australia, averaging 38.37
– 240 runs in 5 Tests against South Africa, averaging 26.66
Meanwhile, Aiden Markram has amassed 2,981 runs at a superior average of 37.73 after 44 Tests as an opener. His notable stats against major teams are:
– 616 runs in 5 Tests against Australia, averaging an impressive 61.60
– 682 runs in 9 Tests against Pakistan, averaging 42.62
– 452 runs in 6 Tests against West Indies, averaging 41.09
### Hundred Counts After 44 Tests as Opener
KL Rahul has registered seven hundreds and 12 half-centuries in this span. Some of his standout innings include:
– A career-best 199 against England at Chennai in December 2016
– 129 against England at Lord’s in August 2021
– 110 against Australia at Sydney in January 2015
– 123 against South Africa at Centurion in December 2021
In comparison, Aiden Markram has scored eight hundreds and 13 half-centuries after opening in 44 Tests. His best knocks include:
– 152 against Australia in Johannesburg, March 2018
– 143 in Durban, during the same series
– A match-winning 136 in the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s in June 2025, earning him the Player of the Match award
### Performance in Matches Won
When it comes to matches won, KL Rahul has been part of 27 victories as an opener. In these winning causes, he accumulated 1,589 runs at an average of 36.11, including four hundreds and seven fifties. In contrast, during 10 losses, he scored 413 runs at a modest average of 20.65, with one hundred and two half-centuries. Rahul also recorded two hundreds and three fifties in seven drawn Tests.
Aiden Markram has featured in 30 South African wins after 44 Tests opening. He scored 2,180 runs in these wins at a high average of 42.74, notching up five centuries and 11 half-centuries. In 13 defeats, Markram has 754 runs at an average of 29, including three hundreds and two half-centuries.
### Away Records Comparison
Examining away performances, KL Rahul played 29 of his 44 Tests as opener away from home, accumulating 1,682 runs at an average of 32.98 with six hundreds and five fifties. At home, in 15 Tests, he scored 869 runs at a higher average of 39.50, including one century and seven fifties.
On the other hand, Aiden Markram has played 14 away Tests as opener, scoring 643 runs at an average of 24.73, with one hundred and three half-centuries. In 29 home Tests, he has amassed 2,202 runs at an excellent average of 43.17, registering six hundreds and 10 fifties.
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Both KL Rahul and Aiden Markram have proven themselves as accomplished openers with different strengths. As India and South Africa prepare to lock horns at home, Rahul’s experience and resilience will be key in anchoring India’s top order, while Markram’s prolific run-scoring ability highlights his importance for the Proteas. Fans can look forward to an exciting contest between these two batting stalwarts in the upcoming Test series.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/kl-rahul-vs-aiden-markram-comparing-stats-opening-44-tests
