KL Rahul’s patient 77-run innings has earned praise from former India Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara. Rahul played a calm knock on the opening day of the Galle Test against Sri Lanka.
Pujara believes Rahul is one of the best Test batters in the current Indian team. He also feels Rahul is showing the younger players that traditional Test batting still has a place in modern cricket.
Pujara praises Rahul’s traditional approach
Modern cricket is becoming faster and more aggressive. Batters are often looking to score quickly and put pressure on bowlers but Rahul has continued to trust his natural game.
Pujara believes that is one of the biggest strengths of the Indian batter. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Pujara said Rahul is leading by example and showing young players how Test cricket should be played.
According to Pujara, every player can have a different style. Some batters may prefer an attacking approach, while others may depend more on defence and patience. Rahul has stayed close to his strengths.
Rahul has become more consistent
Pujara also pointed out a major change in Rahul’s Test career. According to him, Rahul has become much more consistent in recent years.
Earlier in his career, Rahul often got starts but struggled to turn them into big scores. He would reach 30, 40 or 50 runs but fail to continue for a long innings. That has changed now.
Rahul is finding ways to turn good starts into bigger scores. Pujara believes this improvement has played a major role in Rahul’s strong Test form.
Rahul scores 77 in Galle
Rahul played a patient innings against Sri Lanka on the first day. He scored 77 runs from 162 balls. His innings included nine fours and one six.
He spent a long time at the crease and helped India recover after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s early dismissal. Rahul also shared a 150-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal. The partnership helped India take control of the match.
Rahul’s innings ended because of cramps
Rahul’s innings came to an unexpected end in the third session. He had to retire hurt after suffering from cramps. The hot conditions and dehydration made things difficult for the players.
However, India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak later provided a positive update on Rahul’s condition. He said Rahul was fine and that the problem was cramps.
Pujara expects Rahul to complete his century
Pujara believes Rahul could still have a chance to reach three figures. Rahul was only 23 runs away from his century when he left the field.
Pujara hopes Rahul will get another opportunity to bat on the second day. If he returns to the crease and continues from where he stopped, Pujara feels Rahul can convert his 77 into a century.
Rahul is setting an example for young batters
Pujara’s comments highlight something important about Rahul’s current role in the Test team. He is not only expected to score runs.
He is also one of India’s senior batters. Young players can learn from the way he builds an innings.
Rahul’s approach shows that a Test batter does not always need to attack. Sometimes, leaving the ball, defending patiently and waiting for the right opportunity can be just as effective.