Former Indian skipper and legendary spinner Anil Kumble heaped praise on KL Rahul for his ability to adapt to any role after his brilliant performance in the first innings of the first Test against England.
Rahul played a stunning knock of 86 runs off 123 deliveries laced with eight boundaries and two sixes to help Team India reach a total of 436 runs, securing a 190-run lead over England in the first innings at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Kumble highlighted Rahul's versatility, saying that the right-hander can excel in various roles. In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rahul batted at number 4 in Hyderabad and showed his brilliance with his 14th Test half-century on Day 2.
Anil Kumble was quoted as saying to Sports18, “He's moved down the order in white-ball cricket and even here, in this Test match. He batted at number 6 in South Africa, kept wickets and batted really well, and here he batted at number 4. He is someone who can adapt to any role given to him because he is that good.”
Hailing Rahul, former India coach added, “He has the ability to play the pacers, to play spin and maneuver spinners to attack them when he wants. I'm really happy that he's in a good mind-space. And that's the most important thing when you're a good player.”
Kumble concluded, “When you need consistent performances, you need to have a clear head and you can see that with KL Rahul. He missed out on a well-deserved hundred, just like Yasashvi Jaiswal.”
(With Sports18 Inputs)
