KL Rahul has emerged as one of India’s strongest pillars in the ongoing Test series against England, stepping up in the absence of senior pros like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With 511 runs at an outstanding average of 63.88 — including two centuries — Rahul is currently the second-highest run-scorer of the series.
Filling the Void Left by Rohit Sharma
When Rohit Sharma retired from Tests ahead of the England tour, many feared India’s top order would crumble in challenging conditions. But KL Rahul seamlessly slotted back into the opening role, silencing critics with consistency and class. Alongside Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul has showcased maturity and grit under pressure.
His standout 90-run knock in the Manchester Test, where he faced 230 deliveries, was a testament to his mental strength and technique. The innings played a key role in helping India secure a hard-fought draw after being in a precarious position.
“He’s Playing Like a Monk at the Crease” – Aakash Chopra
Former cricketer Aakash Chopra heaped praise on Rahul, comparing his batting to that of a ‘tapasvi’ — a monk. On his YouTube channel, Chopra urged fans and experts to recognize Rahul’s commitment and value.
“At some point, I hope people start giving him the respect he deserves. He’s playing like a tapasvi, a true ascetic at the crease. He may have missed his century, but he’s been the backbone of India’s top order this series,” Chopra said.
Rahul Joins Elite Club in Test Cricket
Rahul’s stellar run has etched his name into history books. He became only the second Asian opener after Sunil Gavaskar (542 runs in 1979) to score over 500 runs in a Test series in England. He’s also just the second visiting opener in the 21st century to do so, alongside South Africa’s Graeme Smith (714 in 2003).
Chopra also lauded the Rahul-Yashasvi Jaiswal duo, saying the pair has done more than enough to make up for Rohit’s absence.
“We expected to miss Rohit at some point, given how good he was last time here. But KL and Yashasvi have done incredibly well. They’ve been solid and confident, and that’s been vital,” he added.
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