Sunil Gavaskar Hails KL Rahul's Newfound Confidence After Rajkot Masterclass
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has lauded KL Rahul's recent performance, particularly his match-saving unbeaten century in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot. While acknowledging Rahul's immense talent, Gavaskar suggested that the wicketkeeper-batter had previously been an "underachiever." However, his current run of form indicates a significant shift in confidence and temperament.
Rahul anchored the Indian innings after a top-order collapse, scoring 112* off 92 deliveries with an exemplary strike rate of 121.74 on a challenging surface where other batters struggled for timing. This innings, his eighth ODI century, showcased his ability to absorb pressure and accelerate effectively, proving his value in the middle order.
Gavaskar noted that Rahul's current consistency and range of shots, combined with his elegance, make him a delight to watch. This performance reinforces the flexibility Rahul provides the Indian team, especially in the 50-over format where he has successfully taken up the wicketkeeping duties, allowing for better team balance.
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“Look, I've always thought that maybe, and I could be wrong, with all the talent that he's had, he's probably been a little bit of an underachiever. But now I think he's coming to that, you know, space as maybe Doulie (Simom Doull) is saying, when he now, you know, has that much more confidence in himself.”
Sunil Gavaskar, Former India Captain and Commentator
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Related Statistics
IPL Career Century Makers Leaders | Batting Rankings
Leading century makers scorers in IPL Career (batting specialists only: batters/all-rounders/wicketkeepers)
| Select | Rank | Player | Team | century-makers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | 8 centuries | ||
#2 | Gujarat Titans | 7 centuries | ||
| #3 | Delhi Capitals | 5 centuries | ||
| #4 | Gujarat Titans | 4 centuries | ||
| #5 | Chennai Super Kings | 3 centuries |
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More on KL Rahul
KL Rahul 'Shouldered the Responsibility' with Impressive Century in Rajkot, Lauds Zaheer Khan
He'll take a lot of pride in this hundred. One of the top four, after getting the start, had to go onto get a 100, it was not the case, but KL Rahul shouldered the responsibility very well, absorbing that pressure at that stage, building up that partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.
KL Rahul Smashes Eighth ODI Century, Rescues India from Top-Order Collapse in Rajkot
Stepping out once again amid sort of a batting collapse, the wicket keeper-batsman smashed his eighth ODI century in 87 deliveries in the 49th over of the match, guiding India to a respectible total.
'KL Classy Rahul': Srikkanth Hails Wicketkeeper-Batter's Unmatched Versatility
KL Rahul is coming after Jadeja. I do not understand the theory. But leave it. You send him anywhere, you send him to open the batting, he will win matches you send him at four, he will, you send him at six, he will too. That is KL classy Rahul for you.
“Look, I've always thought that maybe, and I could be wrong, with all the talent that he's had, he's probably been a little bit of an underachiever. But now I think he's coming to that, you know, space as maybe Doulie (Simom Doull) is saying, when he now, you know, has that much more confidence in himself.”
Sunil Gavaskar, Former India Captain and Commentator
- Player
- KL Rahul
- Specialization
- Wicketkeeper
- Team
- DC
- Analyze
- Analyze Performance
- Team
- Team Performance