Shoaib Malik, a former Pakistan cricketer, praised India’s KL Rahul for his continuous efforts in the current 2023 World Cup. Rahul has 386 runs in the event at an incredible average of 77.20.
Malik compared Rahul Dravid to South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen when discussing some of the in-form middle-order hitters. He believes Klaasen need a foundation to unleash his full potential, whereas Rahul can alter gears depending on the scenario.
Shoaib Malik had this to say about KL Rahul in an interview with A Sports:
“The best at No 5 in the world cricket. Klassen (Heinrich) needs a base to get going. But if you compare, India have got the best batter at 5, who can play in any sort of situation. This is why KL bats at 5. If India lose two or three wickets early, he is someone, who can play according to the situation.”
Shoaib Malik
Shoaib Malik lauds KL Rahul knock against AUS
KL Rahul hit a stunning 97* in India’s World Cup opener against Australia in Chennai. He had went out to bat with the hosts behind by two wickets at 2/3.
However, Rahul struck a critical combination with Virat Kohli that lifted India out of danger and allowed them to finish the game unbroken. Shoaib Malik complimented Rahul for completing the task and stated:
“He can finish the match, can improvise, can play with a good strike rate, and we have seen it today. He is good against spinners as well as the pacers. He picks the gaps and plays the field. Against Australia, we have seen, he was the one who finished the match.”
Shoaib Malik
Apart from his batting, Rahul has also shown skill with the gloves and has been quite precise in assisting Indian skipper Rohit Sharma with DRS decisions.