Karthik Showers Praise On Rahul, Says Young Boy Has Grown Into A Man

KL Rahul has had a topsy-turvy Test career, where he has been in and out of the side for quite some time. However, ever since he has become India’s regular opener in the format, he has shown great ability to bat long and do the job that’s needed of him, especially outside of India. 

In the recently completed Anderson-Tendulkar trophy against England, he scored 532 runs in just 10 innings, showing not only his class, but also the fact that he can shoulder responsibility in a team that’s going through a transition at the moment. Dinesh Karthik, who was there in the Sky Cricket commentary team, saw Rahul up close and lauded his transformation as a cricketer. 

“You got to understand. Just as the precursor to the series, the three big guns retired- Virat, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin. Now, walking into the series, there were two big names – one is KL Rahul and one is Jadeja,” Karthik said on Cricbuzz, as quoted by the Indian Express. 

“Obviously Bumrah for the bowling but these two were the big names in batting, experienced. And lo and behold, KL Rahul has always had these great starts to many a series but not finished strong. But in this series that young boy has grown into a man,” the former Indian wicketkeeper batter added. 

Karthik highlighted Rahul’s mental tenacity, which was on display in the series, and how he absorbed the pressure for the team while batting at the top and facing the toughest situation. 

“I think he shouldered responsibility. He is probably the most technically sound player across both teams and he backed his technique,” Karthik said. 

“Under pressure, he said I will stick to my game plan and back my defensive skills and play long and I will get runs for India every game in the series. There was zero pressure when he batted, very sound in his defence and beautiful looking cover drive as you would expect from the man but most importantly, the senior statesman, the man that Indian cricket actually would need throughout this series when he faces that tough Dukes ball that is coming, he was magnificent.”