Former Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik praised how KL Rahul stepped up as one of the senior players for India during the recently-concluded Test series
between England and India. Rahul registered 532 runs in 10 innings in the recent five-match series.
Karthik complimented how Rahul did not fail to make the most of his starts this series, something he has not been able to do in the past. The ex-wicketkeeper shed light on Rahul's technically superior skills with the bat as compared to the rest of his teammates and the opposition.
“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. Obviously, Bumrah for the bowling but these two were the big names in batting, experienced. And lo and behold, KL Rahul has always had this great starts to many a series but not finished strong. But in this series that young boy has grown into a man,” Karthik said via Cricbuzz.
“I think he shouldered responsibility. He was probably the most technically sound player across both teams and he backed his technique. 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', he added.
There was zero pressure when Rahul batted: Karthik
The cricketer-turned-commentator also remarked on the Karnataka batter being the most important man for India, especially at the top of the batting order, when it comes to facing the Dukes ball, to which majority of Indian batters are unaccustomed playing to.
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,” commented Karthik.
Rahul played an integral role for Indiawhich ended up retaining the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. He scored a couple of fifties and as many tons during the 10 innings he played.
