Veteran cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has appreciated KL Rahul for his calm performance and maturity during the first test of the five -match series against England. However, Gavaskar said that the batsman has yet to realize that ‘how good he is’ and he said that he is still to fulfill his ability due to ‘self-doubt’.
India posted a total of 471 in their first innings in Leeds. Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134) broke the centuries. KL Rahul got a start, but could not convert it into a big score, departed for 42 runs. England scored 465 runs with the contribution of Oli Pope (106) and Harry Brook (99).
KL Rahul has got a similarity about him – Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar called KL Rahul a “Total Team Man”, saying that the batsman team is ready to do what the team needs. Gavaskar also said that Rahul’s biggest challenge is self-doubt, because he still does not fully feel how talented he is really.
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Gavaskar said, “Total team men. They have also been asked to take wickets. He does this for the team, and that is what you want in the team. The way you react to the situation, they see you.”
“He has got a similarity about him, which is so rare because at the day and age where everyone is doing things to show things that he has achieved something, his celebrations are silent. One thing is one thing about KL Rahul that everyone agrees that he does not know how good players he is. I mean, he will agree,” he said.
There can be a bit of self -reliance in his mind – Sunil Gavaskar on KL Rahul
Sunil Gavaskar said that KL Rahul is not completely his ability. He said that Rahul has a wide range of shots, especially his innocent cover drive. Gavaskar hoped that Rahul would score 500 to 700 runs, which he believes that there will be a huge boost for India.
“He has got so much talent. Look at all the shots on offside, leg-side, flick, everything. All shots, but he has not met it. Now, it can be a little self-sufficient in his mind or whatever sometimes prevents boys from Bangalore from fulfilling their ability,” Gavaskar continued.
“The thrilling to see the front leg, from the back leg, then the batsman drive, which we have seen more now. I can tell about the cover drive because it has perfection. I hope that he comes well in this series and more than 500 scores, perhaps 700 runs. It will be fantastic to India,” he said.
Rahul smashed half century in the second innings of Leeds Test in India’s second innings
KL Rahul looked solid in India’s second innings, remained unbeaten on 47, as the team reached 90/2 in the end of day 3. He resumed his innings with Skipper Shubman Gill at day 4, who scored in the first innings, but was rejected quickly in the morning session.
With Gill returning to the pavilion, Rahul and Rishabh Pant became important for India’s expectations to set a strong goal. Rahul continued to impress with his time and shot selection, especially through cover. The pants, which hit 134 in the first innings, included it at the crease.
At the time of writing, India was 120 with a lead of 114/3. Rahul and Pant will need to create a competitive total for England to anchor the innings and chase in the final innings.
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