IND vs WI 2025: KL Rahul is batting better than he ever has, reckons former teammate

Former Indian bowler Varun Aaron feels the confidence gained by the Indian Test setup during their 2-2 series draw against England will carry forward well as India take on West Indies in a two-match Test series. The series is scheduled to commence on Thursday, October 2.

Aaron acknowledged the absence of big players in the England tour, as well as the upcoming one against the Windies. However, he was of the opinion that the players who competed well in the series against England will do the same in the forthcoming red-ball assignment at home.

“I think this is a very new-look Indian team. A lot has changed, with two very big names (Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli) missing from the squad. There are also many players who have done really well in England, and the confidence is very high. Yes, the conditions are contrasting, but when you draw a Test series the way India just did in overseas conditions, you carry a lot of belief. I think that belief is really going to hold good,” stated Aaron while speaking on JioHotstar's ‘Game Plan’.

The former India cricketer also spoke on the opening partnership between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He described the two as a perfect combination of fire and ice, pointing out each batter's strengths as well his expectations from the two going forward. Aaron was particularly praising Rahul for the kind of red-ball form the latter has been in.

“KL Rahul has always belonged to that opening spot. Just looking at the quality he possesses, sometimes his numbers baffle me. I’d say his average should have been in the high 40s, if not 50. He has had form slumps on and off, but right now, Rahul is batting better than he ever has, especially with the way he performed in England. He looked so organised, almost reminding me of the same player I played with in the Under-19s – disciplined, composed and a great leaver of the ball.

"On the other hand, you have Jaiswal, someone who attacks the opposition. Together, it’s a great blend of fire and ice at the top. Jaiswal as the aggressor, and Rahul grinding it out, always promising to deliver those big runs,” he added.

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India will take on West Indies in two Tests in what will be their second series of the 2025-27 cycle of the World Test Championship, but the first at home. The series-opening clash will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from October 2.