Makeshift opener KL Rahul repaid the faith India have showed in him despite recent struggles, helping to put the touring side in the driving seat against Australia in the first test in Perth on Saturday.

KL Rahul opened the innings for India alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first Test as captain Rohit Sharma was unavailable. With Rohit re-joining the Indian squad, there is uncertainty over where Rahul will bat in the next match.

However, a source later clarified that the rumours were "false", and Athiya was not expecting at that time. KL Rahul and Athiya Shetty first met in 2019 through a mutual friend. Their relationship blossomed over time,

Captain Rohit Sharma missed the opening Test against Australia in Perth due to the birth of his second child but is available for the second match in Adelaide starting on December 5. KL Rahul opened with Yashavsi Jaiswal in Perth and played impressive knocks in both innings.

Cheteshwar Pujara has suggested changes in India’s batting lineup for the second Test against Australia, advocating for KL Rahul's placement in the top 3 for better performance. He believes the current bowling lineup needs no changes and highlighted the unique challenges of a Day-Night Test,