India Star Perfects 'Outside Off Stump' Game Ahead Of Ranji Trophy Comeback. It's Not Virat Kohli

KL Rahul's net session is all about meticulousness. Right from picking his gears out of a nattily packed kitbag to facing bowlers, his every movement is measured. There was no exception at the KSCA (B) grounds here on Wednesday as he readied himself for Karnataka's crucial Ranji Trophy match against Haryana. During the 40-minute nets, Rahul never looked hurried against throw-downs, pace or spin, and even found time to sign some autographs and pose for a couple of selfies with the waiting fans.

But the zero theatrics masked the enormity the next month holds in his career that has entered its second decade.

The cycle starts from Wednesday at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, as big runs from his willow will make the job easier for Karnataka in their last league match of Elite Group C.

Despite the difference in formats and quality, a critical role in guiding Karnataka to the knockouts will give a fillip to him ahead of the three-match ODI series against England, beginning on February 6 before leaving for Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy.

While Rahul is set to bat at No. 3 for Karnataka in his first competitive outing post the tour to Australia, the right-hander might occupy the No. 5 slot for India in the one-dayers.

It's the position that mandates batting in the middle passage to the business end of the innings.

Overall, he has brilliant numbers at No. 5 — 1259 runs from 30 innings at an average of 57.2 with two hundreds and nine fifties, his best figures across the batting positions.

Now, batting at that position in India and in Dubai will require him to negate spinners and Cricket 21 metrics show favourable stats.

Rahul averages 47.6 at a strike-rate of 89 against leg-arm spinners (381 runs in 31 innings), while he makes runs