NEW DELHI: KL Rahul has emerged as a vital contributor in the ongoing Test series against England, amassing 511 runs at an average of 63.88, including two centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer in the series. His consistent performances at the top of the order have helped India navigate the transition following Rohit Sharma‘s retirement from Test cricket, especially in testing English conditions.His influence was particularly notable during the Manchester Test, where he compiled a gritty 90 off 230 balls, forming a crucial partnership with captain Shubman Gill that played a key role in helping India secure a hard-fought draw.The exits of senior stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli had sparked concerns about India’s ability to perform in England. However, Rahul, along with Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja, has stepped up to dispel those doubts with composed and determined performances.“At some point, I hope people start giving him the respect he deserves. He’s playing like a tapasvi, a true ascetic at the crease. He may have missed his century, but he’s been the backbone of India’s top order this series,” former India cricketer Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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Rahul has also entered an elite list by becoming only the second Asian opener after Sunil Gavaskar to score more than 500 runs in a single Test series in England. Gavaskar had achieved the feat with 542 runs in 1979.He is also just the second visiting opener in the 21st century to reach this mark, following South Africa’s Graeme Smith, who scored 714 runs in the 2003 series.The partnership between Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal has been instrumental in easing the pressure from Rohit Sharma’s absence at the top of the order.
“We expected to miss Rohit at some point, given how good he was last time here. But KL Rahul and Yashasvi have done incredibly well. They’ve been solid and confident, and that’s been vital,” Chopra added.Aakash Chopra has also commended Rahul’s focused and steady approach at the crease, emphasizing how he has delivered for India when it mattered the most.