2 reasons why Hanuma Vihari is a better middle-order player than KL Rahul

The Indian team management would most probably make a few changes in the team after the loss in the WTC final. India has struggled with an inconsistent middle order, and to make big first-innings scores in overseas conditions.

To resolve the issue, some changes are expected in the middle order. It mainly comprises Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant. India might play an extra batsman at number 6 to increase the batting depth. Either Rahane or Pujara can be replaced as well to add a specialist batsman.

Players who can get selected to play in the middle order are Hanuma Vihari and KL Rahul. Both of them are exceptional batsmen who can increase the batting strength of the Indian lineup. But it would be a hard decision for the India team management to pick just one player out of the two.

Some reasons why Vihari is a better middle-order player than KL Rahul is a follow:

Vihari has previous middle-order batting experience

Hanuma Vihari has been a middle-order player for the most part of his Test career. KL Rahul has only been a specialist opener in red-ball cricket.

Rahul has been successful as a middle-order batsman in limited-overs cricket. But adapting to a new position in Test cricket won't be easy in English conditions. It would affect his performance and weaken the Indian batting lineup.

On the other hand, Hanuma Vihari would feel at home if he gets to play in the middle order for India. In overseas conditions, Hanuma Vihari has better chances of succeeding as a middle-order batsman.

Hanuma Vihari has a better batting technique than Rahul

KL Rahul has a flamboyant style of batting and usually tries to dominate bowlers from the start. It has often led to his dismissal in the past. He tends to struggle against swing deliveries and usually plays away from his body. Thereby, experienced English pacers could exploit his weakness during the series.

Hanuma Viahri tends to play the ball close to his body and successfully handles a good bowling attack. Thereby, he has been able to bat for long periods and won matches in England, Australia, and New Zealand.

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