Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has praised opening batter KL Rahul for his stunning 90 in the Manchester Test against England. He also credited the batter for showing hunger to score runs and helped India to draw the match in a tough situation in the second innings. Notably, Rahul shared an 188-run partnership off 417 deliveries with the captain Shubman Gill (103) for the third wicket after the tourists were reduced to 0/2 in the second innings as well.

On Monday, July 28, Rahane said on his YouTube channel: “Kl Rahul, what I liked about him is consistency. He is really hungry for runs and his discipline. 46 in the first innings and 90 in the second innings was really amazing. 90 in the second innings was more special because he had to bat time, batting five sessions to save a Test match for India… Showing that discipline, that hunger, that grit while batting on the crease. Playing that phase out, playing that spell out was something really special.”

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“As a batsman, it’s very easy to get complacent when you are getting a good start when you are getting a good start, [and] scored a couple of centuries already in the series. From KL Rahul’s point of view, I thought he batted really well to show that hunger and discipline as a batsman; it’s not easy. So, really well done, KL,” he further added.

Ajinkya Rahane also praised KL Rahul and Shubman Gill for batting nearly three of the five sessions during their partnership which also helped India draw the match as well.

“KL Rahul and Shubman Gill, I thought they batted really well. India were two down in the first over. 310 runs behind… Getting that partnership was crucial. They showed that character, the hunger and determination to bat time, India had to bat five sessions. KL has been batting very well, even Shubman Gill. Both of them have been scoring really heavy runs, big runs for the team, but last inning was really special,” he stated.

“I personally enjoyed KL’s batting even though he missed out on a 100, but his 90 was something special. Shubman got his 4th hundred in the series, but I thought this hundred was something special to save the Test match and draw the Test match for India,” Ajinkya Rahane concluded.