VVS Laxman, former Indian batsman feels that KL Rahul’s defiant knock against England in the first innings of the first Test in Nottingham could be a turning point in his red-ball career.
Playing his first Test in nearly two years, KL Rahul scored a tenacious 84 off 214 balls, spending nearly 350 minutes out in the middle of the crease. Thanks to his performance, India managed to get a crucial 95-run lead over England in the first innings.
VVS Laxman: This Can Be A Breakthrough Innings For KL Rahul
Analyzing KL Rahul’s performance, VVS Laxman said that the batsman has proven he belongs at this level. KL Rahul, who last played a Test before Nottingham in August of 2019, was drafted into the Playing XI after opening batsman Mayank Agarwal was ruled out due to a concussion.
“This can be a breakthrough innings for KL Rahul and an innings of great importance keeping in mind his (Test) career. He has been out of favour in Test match cricket while he has been consistently doing well in white-ball cricket,” Laxman said.
“He showed the kind of discipline needed and that hunger was also there. His body language showed that he has the desire to prove himself back at the highest level in the Test match format. It is not about proving to the critics but proving to himself that he belongs here and he has earned his spot as a top-order batsman.”
Opening batsman KL Rahul, in his first Test for nearly two years, top-scored with 84 as India made 278 in reply to England’s meagre first-innings 183. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s typically dashing 56 featured eight fours and a six. There was more pain for England when tailender Jasprit Bumrah made a Test-best 28 after his 4 wicket haul in England’s 1st innings.
VVS Laxman: KL Rahul Deserved A Ton For Displaying Application And Technique
KL Rahul looked set for a hundred but was dismissed 16 short of a ton after edging a James Anderson delivery behind the wicket. According to VVS Laxman, KL Rahul deserved a hundred for the tremendous application he displayed during the innings.
“He deserved a hundred for the application and technique he displayed. At the same time, when the opportunity arrived, the kind of drives he played through mid-off and cover region,” VVS Laxman added.
“The balance that you require as an opener in England is there in KL Rahul and he is every bit of class. He is a batsman who is in great form and great touch and I am sure he will capitalize on that.”
India resumed day three of the Nottingham Test at 125 for four. After Rishabh Pant fell for a quickfire 25 off 20 balls, KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja (56) featured in a crucial stand of 60 runs for the sixth wicket. An unexpected cameo of 28 from Jasprit Bumrah took India’s lead close to 100.