Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Saba Karim has backed KL Rahul to bat at number four in the five-match Test series against England. Rahul had opened the innings against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series with Yashasvi Jaiswal.

The flamboyant batter also opened the innings against England Lions in the second unofficial Test and returned with scores of 116 and 51. 

Karim said Rahul has the right technique and he can fill in the big shoes of Virat Kohli at the number four position.

In an interview with NDTV, Karim said, “In the absence of Kohli, Rahul’s role is monumental. And I look at him, as a batter who can bat a number four. Many people have suggested different batting positions, but I feel that KL is ideal to replace or take over, the role of Virat Kohli at number four, because that number four, he can play a dual role of negotiating the early setback if that happens in the Indian side, and then he can carry the innings forward.”

“He does have the right kind of technique. He has done well in England. He has a temperament. And I think with the past season, season and a half, there is a lot of maturity that has come in. So I think that’s the kind of responsibility with Indian team management.”

Rahul has been in fine form and he would look to come up with consistent performances. The right-hander also has all the experience under his belt and he is going to hold the key as a senior batter in the team after Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s retirement.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.