Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist KL hailed Rahul’s immense versatility and value to Indian cricket, highlighting his ability to adapt to all formats and roles after he contributed significantly to the tourists’ big win over the hosts in the first Test in Perth.
Despite not being in the initial plans for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, the Karnataka-inclined player was taken to Australia and he proved himself immediately with an impressive knock of 77 runs and 176 balls in the first game at the Optus Stadium. Perth.
Adam Gilchrist hails KL Rahul’s versatility and composure in Perth Test
Rahul also added more than 200 runs Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) for an opening stand to not only help the Indian cricket team to a dominant 295-run victory against Australia in the opening match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, but also to silence his critics in style.
Adam Gilchrist said on Cricbuzz, “KL Rahul has talent, skill and brilliance in all formats. He performed consistently in T20s, white-ball cricket and then in the Test arena, but perhaps not with the consistency of talent and potential that we all saw in him. This may be a criticism of him, but he is a versatile cricketer. He wasn’t even on the original tour night.”
Ahead of the Day-Night Test in Adelaide, Adam Gilchrist highlighted that KL Rahul has batted at various positions, secured important partnerships and taken leadership responsibilities for Team India so far in his career, making him a specialist. special player.
This is a cooperative game with young batting partners: Adam Gilchrist
The legendary Australian wicketkeeper also noted that the right-handed batsman’s innings in Perth showcased his composure and substance, which significantly helped India dominate Australia in the ongoing five-match Test. series Opener in Perth.
Gilchrist further explained: “He batted between one and six in that batting line-up. In other formats, he will be called upon to keeper. So what I love is his ability to be on call, to play any role for his country. Part of the role in Perth wasn’t just about hitting 60 and mastering deliveries, but also coaching and encouraging partnerships. This is a cooperative game with young batting partners. So that was very important.”
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While Yashasvi Jaiswal grabbed the headlines for his maiden Test ton on Australian soil, Gilchrist believes Rahul’s efforts deserve more recognition for stabilizing India’s position and showcasing his all-round capabilities as a team player, which impressed him the most.
KL Rahul deserves more recognition than Yashasvi Jaiswal: Gilchrist
Cricket pundits also noted Rahul’s significant contribution to India’s victory in the Perth Test, where his crucial knocks not only helped India dominate but also played a key role in mentoring young Yashavi against Australia.
Gilchrist signed off by saying: “All the headlines, I think right now, will be about Yashasvi Jaiswal and who knows what’s going on. But I think most of the focus, a lot of the shine should be on KL Rahul because it’s a shot of great substance and it’s just that India are in such a dominant position against Australia.
