NEW DELHI: Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar on Tuesday praised KL Rahul’s technique, comparing him to former India opener Murali Vijay. Gavaskar admired Rahul's ability to leave deliveries outside the off-stump and his composure at the crease, highlighting these qualities as vital for success in Test cricket.
He noted that Rahul’s batting approach, marked by balance and precise shot selection, reminded him of Vijay’s methodical and dependable style. Gavaskar emphasised how Rahul's temperament and adaptability make him a valuable asset, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
“KL Rahul left deliveries very close to the off-stump so consistently that it reminded me of Marnus Labuschagne yesterday and, before him, Murali Vijay, who also had exceptional off-side judgment. Except for the first ball today, where he slightly followed the delivery, his judgment outside off-stump was fantastic," Sunil Gavaskar said while speaking on Star Sports.
Vijay, the accomplished right-handed batter, has amassed 531 runs in Australia, comprising one hundred and four half-centuries, while maintaining an impressive average of 44.25.
Rahul emerged as India's highest scorer in their first innings, crafting a determined 84 runs from 139 deliveries. While his fellow top-order colleagues struggled to establish themselves at the crease amidst challenging conditions, he displayed remarkable resilience despite several interruptions due to rainfall.
“If you play the ball further forward, you risk edging it to slips. Rahul’s ability to play late and leave balls at the last moment was commendable. It’s a level of patience and skill that stood out in this innings," Gavaskar added.
Although fortune favoured him, particularly when Steve Smith failed to hold onto a straightforward catch at second slip with the day's first delivery, he capitalised on the opportunity and made his innings substantial.
However, Smith made amends later by taking a spectacular catch of Rahul off Nathan Lyon's delivery during the closing moments of the opening session.
Despite Indian batter's inability to provide adequate support to Rahul, the team managed to avert the follow-on through Ravindra Jadeja's crucial innings of 77 runs from 123 deliveries and the resilient last-wicket partnership of 39 runs between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah remained unbroken, extending the match into Day 5 with a potential draw becoming a realistic outcome.
