Aakash Chopra has praised KL Rahul. He’s always performing well for India, even though some criticisms seem unmerited.
On Tuesday, December 26, in Centurion, India’s first Test match against South Africa began. Rahul amassed an undefeated 70 in India’s total of 208/8. With Mohammed Siraj at the wicket and Prasidh Krishna at the other end, he should be able to get the visitors near to or over 250 runs.
Chopra commended Rahul for demonstrating his value once more in a video that he posted on his YouTube page. He clarified:
“You (India) are not out of the game yet. I feel 208/8 is a decent score. I think this game is hanging in the balance. Someone was saying KL Rahul shouldn’t be played, that he is not doing well and is being given illegitimate chances.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opened added:
“Rahul scored a fifty while batting at No. 6. He scored runs in the first game last time (India’s previous tour of South Africa) as well, I think it was the Boxing Day Test only. He has scored runs in England, he has scored runs in Australia, he has scored runs everywhere but the world keeps hounding him.”
Aakash Chopra
Rahul took over the bat as Shreyas Iyer exited the pitch, leaving India at a weak 92/4. Soon after, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin suffered dismissals. Despite this, the wicketkeeper-batter managed to collaborate with Shardul Thakur (24) for a vital 43-run effort. Once their seam-bowling teammate got dismissed, Rahul’s batting performance took a more assertive turn.
“He is versatile” – Aakash Chopra on KL Rahul
KL Rahul, according to Aakash Chopra, has demonstrated adaptability throughout his career. He clarified:
“People say he has come through recommendation. I am not saying that. I say he is extremely talented. Even public spats have happened on this topic but he is versatile. How many players have done well while opening in Test cricket and then play in the middle order and keep as well?”
Aakash Chopra
The former cricketer and current analyst further stated that the Karnataka batsman spared India’s pride. He declared:
“He played and has been the saving grace thus far. With the runs he scored and the way he farmed the strike, he took India to a decent total. It’s a fighting total. I am not saying that you are out of the woods.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra also commended Shardul Thakur for providing Rahul with much-needed assistance. He did, however, add that the all-round player might have performed even better, pointing out that he lost his wicket due to a careless shot.