KL Rahul vs Marco Jansen: Head to Head record in Test cricket ahead of the IND vs SA Test series

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KL Rahul and Marco Jansen represent two of the most compelling talents in modern Test cricket, with the Indian batter known for his technical elegance and the South African pacer feared for his intimidating height and left-arm angle. Their rivalry is a fascinating subplot whenever India and South Africa clash, pitting a versatile top-order batter against a relentless fast-bowling all-rounder.

The next chapter in this contest is set to unfold in the highly anticipated two-match Test series in India, beginning with the first Test in Kolkata from November 14th to 18th, 2025, followed by the second Test in Guwahati from November 22nd to 26th, 2025. This series is a crucial part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle and promises a high-octane contest on Indian pitches.

The year 2025 has been a significant period of resurgence and consistency for Rahul in the longest format of the game, cementing his place at the top of the Indian batting line-up, particularly after a few major changes in the team structure. He has played 8 games in Test cricket so far, accumulating an impressive total of 745 runs at a stellar average of 53.21, a figure that represents his most prolific calendar year in Tests.

Rahul’s standout performances include two centuries and three half-centuries, showcasing his ability to convert starts into substantial scores and deliver under pressure. His batting has been marked by a renewed focus on defensive technique and patience, a contrast to his more aggressive style in white-ball cricket, proving his versatility and mental fortitude. A key highlight was a magnificent 137 in the first Test, which played a pivotal role in securing a 2-2 series draw in a challenging away series. This purple patch has seen him evolve into a senior statesman, providing stability and leadership to the Indian top order.

Marco Jansen has continued to establish himself as a genuine bowling all-rounder in the 2025 Test calendar, building on his reputation as a vital cog in the Proteas’ attack. His most significant achievement was being a key member of the victorious team that claimed the ICC World Test Championship Final in June 2025. In 2025 he got 7 wickets in three Test games.

A strong performance in the WTC Final, where he picked up 4 wickets across two innings including dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne, highlighted his ability to perform on the biggest stage. Jansen’s 6’8″ frame and awkward angle make him a continuous threat, extracting steep bounce and unsettling opposing batsmen, even on flatter wickets. His role as a reliable contributor with the bat has also been important, often chipping in with crucial runs to extend the South African tail. He remains South Africa’s primary left-arm fast-bowling option, providing variety and relentless pressure.

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The contest between K.L. Rahul and Marco Jansen in Test cricket has been an intriguing and hard-fought battle where the bowler has managed to hold a slight psychological edge, primarily by restricting the batsman’s flow of runs. Across all their meetings in Test cricket, Jansen has dismissed Rahul 3 times (twice in Johannesburg Test in 2022 and again during the second innings of Cape Town Test in the same series).

This is a significant statistic considering the limited number of series they have played against each other, mainly in South Africa. The overall numbers show that Rahul has scored 53 runs off 163 balls faced against the tall left-arm pacer, resulting in an average of 17.7 against him and a relatively subdued strike rate of 32.5. This slow scoring rate and low average indicate that Jansen’s angle, pace, and ability to hit a challenging length have consistently made it difficult for Rahul to assert his natural attacking game, often tying him down.

KL Rahul vs Marco Jansen Head-to-Head (Test Cricket)

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