KL Rahul vs Kusal Mendis: Dissecting two upcoming stars

Early careers

Kusal Mendis played a crucial role in Sri Lanka's victory over India in the Champions Trophy

Rahul appeared for India in the 2010 under-19 World Cup before making the step up to the national squad in 2014, the year in which Kusal Mendis turned out for his under-19 side in a World Cup. The Indian opener had a tough start to his tour of Australia but made amends with a hundred in his second Test at Sydney. Rahul also started his ODI career with a bang, slamming a hundred on debut against Zimbabwe.

He rose to prominence after a sensational Duleep Trophy final in 2014-15, when he scored 185 and 130 representing South Zone against Central Zone. Although his team eventually lost a close encounter, Rahul had done enough to earn a ticket to Australia with the national team.

Mendis, on the other hand, had a silent start to his International career. Not much was known about this talented batsman when he made his debut during the second Test against West Indies at home. Although he did not make an immediate impact, Mendis was noticed for his adept footwork and attractive stroke play in the tour of England, where his only major substantial score was a half-century.