Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian cricketer, has recently shared his thoughts on KL Rahul's career, observing that the talented batsman is yet to fully realize his potential. Gavaskar's comments came after Rahul's solid start in the ongoing Test series against England, where he remained unbeaten on 47 at the end of Day 3, helping India reach 90 for two.
Gavaskar emphasized Rahul's exceptional talent and the wide array of shots he possesses, highlighting his ability to play effectively on both the offside and leg-side, including his signature flick and cover drive. The former Indian captain noted that Rahul has all the strokes in his arsenal but hasn't consistently translated that into substantial performances. Gavaskar speculated that self-doubt might be a contributing factor, possibly hindering him from completely fulfilling his promise.
Gavaskar said that Rahul's batting approach reminds him of former India opener Murali Vijay, particularly his adeptness at leaving deliveries outside off-stump. He noted that Rahul’s temperament and adaptability make him a valuable asset, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
Despite these observations, Gavaskar remains optimistic about Rahul's future. He expressed hope that Rahul would perform well in the current series and potentially score between 500 to 700 runs, which would be a fantastic contribution to the team. Gavaskar lauded Rahul's technical perfection, particularly his cover drive, describing it as a shot he could "rave about" due to its near flawlessness.
Gavaskar also highlighted Rahul's value as a "total team man," pointing out his willingness to take on any role the team requires, including wicket-keeping. He noted Rahul's equanimity and muted celebrations, a rarity in modern cricket where players often express themselves exuberantly. According to Gavaskar, everyone agrees that Rahul might not fully recognize his own potential.
Cheteshwar Pujara, another former teammate, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Rahul's capabilities as a complete Test player who can score big runs. Pujara pointed out that Rahul sometimes gets out after getting well-set, suggesting that converting starts into significant scores is an area for improvement.
In summary, while KL Rahul has shown glimpses of his brilliance and possesses immense talent, according to Sunil Gavaskar, he still has strides to make in consistently delivering performances that match his potential. With the backing of legends like Gavaskar and the hope for a prolific series against England, it remains to be seen whether Rahul can unlock his full capabilities and solidify his place as a dominant force in international cricket.