Mohammad Kaif Compares KL Rahul to Rahul Dravid for Selfless Play
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has showered high praise on KL Rahul. He called Rahul one of the most selfless players to represent India since the legendary Rahul Dravid. Kaif made these remarks after Rahul's gritty century in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot.
A Century in Crisis at Rajkot
KL Rahul walked in to bat at number five with India in a precarious position. Most of the team's top-order batsmen had already returned to the pavilion. Rahul then crafted a determined century. His knock of 100 runs helped India post a total of 284 for 7. He displayed excellent temperament by building crucial partnerships even as wickets fell around him.
"He knows how to read the game situation," Kaif emphasized. "He also has the ability to raise the tempo at the end and get a hundred. A selfless player like him plays for the country."
Versatility Defines KL Rahul's Career
Mohammad Kaif highlighted Rahul's remarkable adaptability across formats and roles. In Test cricket, Rahul opens the batting, which is considered one of the most challenging jobs. However, in the ODI format, he often bats in the middle order, sometimes as low as number five or six.
"He was told to open in Test matches which is the most difficult format and he does that," Kaif noted. "In ODIs, which is a bit easier format than Tests, he does not get to open. Here, he comes in to bat at No.5 or 6. He is fine with that too."
Kaif pointed out that Rahul seamlessly switches to a finisher's role in limited-overs cricket. He steps up whenever the team needs him, regardless of the batting position.
Leadership and Fielding Add to His Value
KL Rahul's contributions extend beyond his batting. Kaif recalled how Rahul took over the captaincy when Shubman Gill was injured during the South Africa series. He led the team to victory in those matches as well.
"Play him wherever you want and he's also ready to step up in any role," Kaif stated. The former player also praised Rahul's fielding skills, mentioning his reliable presence in the slip cordon.
Kaif summarized Rahul's all-round value to the Indian team with great admiration. "He opens in Test matches, plays down the order in ODIs, he also does captaincy when needed, he even fields in slips. Every role given to this guy, he is playing for the country."
The Ultimate Compliment: A Comparison to Rahul Dravid
Mohammad Kaif reserved his highest praise for the end of his analysis. He directly compared KL Rahul's team-first mentality to that of Indian cricket icon Rahul Dravid. Dravid, known as "The Wall," was famous for his selfless approach and willingness to bat anywhere in the order for the team's benefit.
"After Rahul Dravid, if there's any other selfless player that I have seen, it's KL Rahul," Kaif declared emphatically. This statement places Rahul in an elite category of cricketers who prioritize national duty above personal milestones or preferred positions.
Despite Rahul's heroic century, India could not secure a win in the Rajkot ODI. New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell also scored a century, guiding his team to a series-levelling victory. Nevertheless, KL Rahul's performance under pressure and his adaptable skillset earned him significant acclaim from veterans like Mohammad Kaif.
