Why is KL Rahul central to India's plans in Sri Lanka?

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel has identified KL Rahul as a key resource for the team in Sri Lanka, citing his experience from the 2017 tour and his consistent form as an opener in recent years. Rahul is the only member of the current squad who played Tests on the island in the last decade. Morkel expects Rahul to share his knowledge of local conditions during net sessions and team meetings. The 33-year-old has averaged 42 as an opener over the past five years and scored multiple centuries on difficult overseas pitches. His presence offers both batting stability and tactical insight that younger players lack. India arrived in Galle ten days before the first Test specifically to allow players time to adapt to the conditions.