Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has showered praise on KL Rahul after the second ODI against New Zealand. Kaif said Rahul is the most selfless player after former Indian skipper Rahul Dravid. KL has been donning the wicket-keeping gloves in ODIs and has batted at different positions according to match situation and team’s demands.
Rahul scored a brilliant knock of 112 runs off 92 balls with the help of 11 fours and one six at a strike rate of 121.74 while batting at number five in the second ODI against New Zealand at Rajkot on Wednesday.
India were in a spot of bother at 118-4 on a slow pitch however, Rahul played an impressive knock for the home team. Rahul added 73 runs with Ravindra Jadeja and helped India steady the ship.
Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “KL Rahul is a Test opener. He was told to open in Test matches. It’s the toughest format and he agreed to open. ODI cricket is slightly easier but he doesn’t get to bat at the top and bats lower down the order. He agrees to play that role. Rahul plays the finisher role, stays unbeaten and wins the match for India. If Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma get out early, Rahul also hits a hundred at No.5. He scored a ton in this game by hitting a six. When wickets fell in clumps, he showed temperament and built a vital partnership. Rahul knows how to read the game and later plays fast to score a ton.”
Recently, India registered a 2-1 ODI series win against South Africa under Rahul’s captaincy in the absence of injured Shubman Gill.
Kaif concluded, “Shubman Gill was injured against South Africa and Rahul captained then, propelling the team to series victory. He opens in Tests, bats lower in ODIs, captains and fields in slips. Whatever is required, he is ready to do for the country. Previously, there was Rahul Dravid. He also came for Bengaluru. He is the most selfless player I’ve seen after Rahul Dravid.”
The third ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Indore on Sunday.
