India’s opening matches against West Indies saw the home team dominate comprehensively, winning both the first and second ODIs by eight wickets at Thiruvananthapuram on September 27 and Guwahati on September 30, respectively. The strong performances meant that several squad members remained on the sidelines, including vice-captain KL Rahul, who did not face a single delivery across the two completed matches of the series.
Karthik acknowledged the challenge faced by players seeking opportunities when the team’s batting unit performs at a high level. However, the former India wicketkeeper said that the top-order batters were not at fault for scoring runs in the batting-friendly conditions in Thiruvananthapuram and Guwahati. Shubman Gill has scored one and one double century so far. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli scored a century in the first ODI, while Rohit reached the three-figure mark in the second game.
“They would ideally love to have some game time, but our batting is so good, and on pitches that are so good, they are not going to give it away easily. They are making the most of it, as they should. It is not their fault that the pitch is good or the bowling standard is not up to what could trouble them. KL Rahul would know that, he has done it before at the top of the order. So hopefully, he gets a chance to bat in the next game,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz.
Why Rahul has not got a chance in the West Indies series
Rahul’s recent ODI record reflects a pattern of limited opportunities at the crease. Since the conclusion of the Champions Trophy in March 2025, the wicket-keeper has batted in only 11 of 15 ODI matches. More significantly, across his last seven ODI appearances, he has faced merely 37 deliveries, highlighting the scarcity of batting time he has received in recent international cricket. This drought of match practice has coincided with India’s strong form in the format, where the top-order batters have consistently built substantial innings.
The third ODI of the series is scheduled for October 3 at Mullanpur, providing another opportunity for Rahul to get a chance to showcase his batting skills. As vice-captain and a senior member of India’s ODI squad, Rahul remains an important part of the team’s plans, though the current form of the top-order batters has limited his chances to contribute with the bat in this particular series.
