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"90 Was More Special": Ajinkya Rahane Deems KL Rahul Unsung Hero Of Manchester Draw

Akshita Patel

Ajinkya Rahane praises KL Rahul for Manchester heroics [Source: @sujeetsuman1991, @ajinkyarahane88/X.com]Ajinkya Rahane praises KL Rahul for Manchester heroics [Source: @sujeetsuman1991, @ajinkyarahane88/X.com]

Former India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has heaped praise on KL Rahul for his heroic knock in the fourth Test against England at Manchester. The match, which ended in a hard-fought draw, saw Rahul showcase immense discipline and grit during a pressure-packed second innings.

India were in deep trouble after being bowled out cheaply in the first innings and trailing by a massive 311 runs. Things got worse when the visitors lost both openers in the first over without scoring in their second innings, sitting at a miserable 0/2. 

That’s when KL Rahul and captain Shubman Gill stepped up and stitched together a monumental 188-run stand to keep India alive in the match.

Ajinkya Rahane Credits KL Rahul For Discipline In the Second Inning

KL Rahul, who had scored 46 in the first innings, stood tall in the second with a patient and determined 90 off 245 balls. His partnership with Shubman Gill, who scored a gritty 103, helped India bat for five full sessions to save the Test.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ajinkya Rahane heaped praises on Rahul. He opined that Rahul’s grit, discipline, and hunger in pressure situations were noteworthy.

"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 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," Rahane said.

Despite having a successful series, Rahul didn’t get complacent and executed his role to perfection in the second inning of the Manchester Test to save India from a humiliating series defeat.

"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 added.

Undoubtedly, this innings will go down as one of KL Rahul’s finest in Test cricket, not just for the runs, but for the way he saved India from certain defeat.

How Rahul Fuelled His Resurgence In England?

When Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, many feared a void at the top. But KL Rahul has stepped in like he was always meant to be there. With 511 runs in 4 Tests, including 2 centuries and 2 fifties, Rahul has brought calm, class, and consistency to the opening slot. 

His 90 in Manchester, after India collapsed to 0/2, proved he’s more than a stopgap; he’s the anchor India needs. After years of instability and scuffling in the batting order, Rahul has found his sweet spot as an opener, and he is expected to flourish in the Test format going forward.