India's batting has produced several great performances in the ongoing Test series against England.
For the visitors, Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the leading run-scorers with 607 and 425 runs, respectively. But according to former England cricketer Owais Shah, KL Rahul is the most dependable name in the Indian batting line-up.
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As the series heads to the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Shah believes Rahul has quietly become the backbone of India's batting. The 33-year-old Indian opener has enjoyed a solid series so far.
He has scored 375 runs at an average of 62.50. His two centuries, 137 at Headingley and 100 at Lord's, have also brought him to the level of Indian legends Dilip Vengsarkar and Sachin Tendulkar, with four Test tons in England. Only Rahul Dravid has more, with six tons.
Owais Shah backs KL Rahul to outscore Shubman Gill in IND vs ENG Tests
Speaking on the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Shah said Rahul's maturity and technique make him India's most reliable batter right now. He acknowledged Gill's brilliant form (607 runs so far) but maintained that Rahul may ultimately prove to be the stronger Test player over time.
"I still feel KL Rahul is the best batsman in the batting line-up who you should be able to rely on. Over 10-15 matches, he may just outscore Shubman Gill," said Shah.
He also pointed out how Rahul is finally stepping out of Virat Kohli's shadow. He called this series a turning point for the experienced right-hander.
"With Kohli around, Rahul was always under the radar. This is his time to flourish," he added.
With two centuries already and his name now etched twice on the Lord's Honours Board, Rahul has made a strong case for himself in India's Test set-up.
Top 5 batters with most runs IND vs ENG 2025 Test series
Indian skipper Shubman Gill leads the chart with a total of 607 runs in the ongoing India vs. England Test series.
Here is the full list for the top five run scorers in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy 2025:
| Player | Mat | Inns | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100 | 50 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill (IND) | 3 | 6 | 607 | 269 | 101.16 | 71.83 | 3 | 0 |
| Rishabh Pant (IND) | 3 | 6 | 425 | 134 | 70.83 | 78.41 | 2 | 2 |
| Jamie Smith (ENG) | 3 | 6 | 415 | 184* | 103.75 | 85.92 | 1 | 2 |
| KL Rahul (IND) | 3 | 6 | 375 | 137 | 62.50 | 55.97 | 2 | 1 |
| Ravindra Jadeja (IND) | 3 | 6 | 327 | 89 | 109.00 | 52.57 | 0 | 4 |
(Stats correct as of July 18, 2025)