Former West Indies batter Darren Ganga showered praise on KL Rahul after the Indian opener continued his rich form in Test cricket. Rahul remained unbeaten on 53 runs on the opening day of the first Test match against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Thursday.

The flamboyant batter completed his 11th Test century on the second day’s play, which was only his second hundred in the home conditions. Rahul showed all the patience to score 100 runs off 197 balls and batted at the top of his game against the West Indies bowlers.

Speaking on JioStar, Ganga said, “KL Rahul is a classical player. The tempo that he has found as a batter allows him to be at his best, and to me, that comes with clarity about his role in this Indian team and his approach to Test match cricket. He discovered that rhythm in the series against England, and now you’re seeing a continuation of that.”

The former right-hander added, “He’s very comfortable leaving the ball, getting accustomed to conditions, and adjusting to opposition bowlers. Technically, he is very sound, and he has built his style of play in Test cricket around his defence and judgement to leave. To me, that is smart batting, and I think this is the best version of KL Rahul, and you will see more of his best in the future.”

Rahul added 68 runs with his opening partner, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 36 runs. Subsequently, the Indian opener added 98 runs with captain Shubman Gill. 

Meanwhile, Rahul had scored 532 runs in five Test matches on the England tour at an average of 53.20. The flamboyant batter continued his rich form as he scored a match-winning knock of 176 runs against Australia A in the second unofficial Test at Lucknow.

Before the tea break on the second day’s play, India were 323-4 with Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja unbeaten at the crease.