Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan heaped praise on KL Rahul – the man who can open the innings, bat in the middle-order, play the role of a finisher, and can keep wickets as well – after his excellent batting in the first innings against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Rahul is back in the Indian cricket team in Tests after almost two years and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands as the right-hander showed great determination and scored 84 runs in his comeback innings. He also added 97 runs for the first wicket with Rohit Sharma as well as a 60-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja to help India post 278 runs in the first innings of the first Test against England.
After his responsible innings in Nottingham, Zaheer called Rahul a perfect team man and even drew comparisons between him and the legendary batsman Rahul Dravid. He reckoned that there are some traits common between Dravid and Rahul, considering how both have batted at different positions for the team, even if they had to give up their own comfortable spots and keeping wickets.
Coincidentally, Rahul and Dravid both hail from Karnataka and have a common name too while there is another factor common between them with their ability to change positions and roles within the team and the former pacer feel it could either be a connection of their names or home state.
Zaheer told Cricbuzz when he was asked whether he sees any similarities between Rahul and Dravid considering how both have batted at different positions for the team, “Absolutely.”
He further explained, “Add another point - 'that' Rahul also held the wicket-keeping gloves for the team and this Rahul did the same as well. It could either be the Bangalore connection or the connection of their names but he's very talented too. Rahul Dravid has done so much for India that this show won't suffice to talk about it. But yes, seeing such a role model who has done so much for the team compared to him and seeing that he's being looked at with the same eyes, KL Rahul would be very happy.”
On Rahul's magnificent 214-ball 84 at Trent Bridge, the former pacer feels the 29-year-old will get more chances on the England tour after his knock while praising the cricketer for his application and clarity despite returning to Test cricket after almost two years.
Zaheer signed off by saying, “KL Rahul will be talked about a lot throughout this series. The way he has utilized the opportunity, the application he has shown, the way he's leaving balls and even some of the cover drives he has played, the head position and the perfect lean, he surely deserves praise.”
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
