Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane showered praise on KL Rahul for his valiant knock in the drawn Manchester Test against England. Rahul scored a fighting knock of 90 runs as he continued his rich form in the Anderson-Tendulkar series.
The Indian opener added 188 runs with captain Shubman Gill for the third wicket. India was left reeling at 0-2 after England took a massive lead of 311 runs and thus Gill and Rahul’s alliance was important for the visitors.
Rahul has been in tremendous form in the ongoing series as he has aggregated 511 runs in four Test matches at an average of 63.88.
Ajinkya Rahane said on his YouTube Channel, “Kl Rahul, what I liked about him is consistency. He is really hungry for runs and his discipline. 46 in the first innings and 90 in the second innings was really amazing. 90 in the second innings was more special because he had to bat time, batting five sessions to save a Test match for India… Showing that discipline, that hunger, that grit while batting on the crease. Playing that phase out, playing that spell out was something really special.”
“As a batsman, it’s very easy to get complacent when you are getting a good start when you are getting a good start, [and] scored a couple of centuries already in the series. From KL Rahul’s point of view, I thought he batted really well to show that hunger and discipline as a batsman; it’s not easy. So, really well done, KL,” he added.
Rahul has shown the right discipline in his batting in the ongoing series and he has gone from strength to strength in the ongoing series.
Rahane added that the partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill was crucial for India at Old Trafford.
“KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, I thought they batted really well. India were two down in the first over. 310 runs behind… Getting that partnership was crucial. They showed that character, the hunger and determination to bat time, India had to bat five sessions. KL has been batting very well, even Shubman Gill. Both of them have been scoring really heavy runs, big runs for the team, but last inning was really special.”
“I personally enjoyed KL’s batting even though he missed out on a 100, but his 90 was something special. Shubman got his 4th hundred in the series, but I thought this hundred was something special to save the Test match and draw the Test match for India,” he added.
The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.
