Stable mind and spring in stride: Keeping boost to Rahul's batting

The 31-year-old has been solid behind the wickets, got his DRS calls right and been a sounding board for the bowlers too

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There may be some truth to the theory that wicketkeepers only get noticed or talked about when they mess up. They are supposed to grab everything that comes their way, armoured as they are with extra padding in the palms of their gloves. A fine catch may elicit no more than a nod of the head or a pat on the back while errors tend to invite stares and swears.

But if KL Rahul is earning widespread appreciation for his shift behind the stumps at this World Cup, it's because he has been so good that it would be inappropriate to not acknowledge. From one-handed diving catches to saving boundaries off wides straying down the leg side, from assisting in effective use of the Decision Review System (DRS) to guiding India's bowlers on the right areas to target, the 31-year-old has been spotless so far.

His efficiency merits all the more recognition considering he only started keeping for India three years ago. Mainly due to Rishabh Pant's middling oneday record and a lack of other alternatives, Rahul was entrusted with the gloves while moving down the batting order to No. 5 for the first time against Australia in Rajkot in January 2020. He responded with a 52-ball 80 and two catches, taking home the player-of-the match award.