KL Rahul. (Photo Source: KL Rahul/X/Twitter)
KL Rahul garnered rich praise from Parthiv Patel after scoring a breathtaking half-century at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh. The Karnataka batter smashed an attacking 68 off just 43 balls, belting seven fours and two sixes to help India declare at 285/9 in just 34.4 overs, taking a lead of 52 runs on September 30.
Rahul’s place in India’s playing XI was under clouds after Sarfaraz Khan had a spectacular debut series against England earlier this year in his injury-enforced absence. However, the 32-year-old was backed by the Indian team management as he played the first Test and scored 16 and an unbeaten 22 in Chennai. In the second Test, however, he brought his A-game to the fore and took the Bangladeshi bowlers to the cleaners.
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Parthiv said that he was always confident about Rahul getting picked in the playing XI despite others doing well in his absence. The former India wicketkeeper-batter pointed out that Rahul performed well in South Africa and against England before getting injured.
“I don’t think we need to question KL Rahul’s ability at all. If someone else has stepped up in his absence and done well, it doesn’t mean Rahul’s place was in danger. I was never in doubt about his position in the team. I think when you said KL Rahul was under pressure, I sometimes wonder why, because he had a very good series in South Africa, and before he got injured, he batted well against England,” Parthiv said in a conversation with Jio Cinema.
When KL Rahul plays with a free mindset, we know the kind of shots he is capable of playing: Parthiv Patel
Patel said that some of the shots Rahul hit during his scintillating knock were not easy to pull off on a slow pitch with inconsistent bounce. The cricketer-turned-commentator also applauded the Mangaluru-born’s strike rotation skills during the innings.
“But today, he showed once again what kind of player he is. These are not the easiest shots to play, especially when there is no pace or bounce on the pitch. We saw a lot of inconsistent bounce as well, but KL Rahul, when he plays with a free mindset, knows the kind of shots he is capable of playing. We saw a lot of strike rotation too, and he has shown that ability today,” he added.
Rahul’s Test average is around 35 and that has led to some fans questioning his place in the side. However, the experienced campaigner has proven his worth in recent times, having scored a century in South Africa and an 86 in the subsequent series against England.