Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif was all praise for KL Rahul, who played a robust knock of 112 runs against New Zealand in the second ODI of the three-match series. The century was eventually overshadowed by Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten 131 that propelled the visitors to a thumping 7-wicket victory in Rajkot.
Kaif's praise for Rahul
Kaif highlighted how Rahul has been made to bat at different positions across formats, but has never complained about anything. He further hailed the wicketkeeper-batter for reading the game extremely well and described him as "selfless".
“He was told to open in Test matches which is the most difficult format and he does that. 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. He goes in and plays the finisher’s role there and helps is team win the match," Kaif said in a video posted on X.
“In case Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma get out early, this guy will come in at No.5 and score a century. He scored a ton in this match (2nd ODI vs NZ) and he brought that up with a 6. Plus there’s his temperament where he kept building partnerships as wickets fell. He knows how to read the game situation. He also has the ability to raise the temp in the end and get a 100. A selfless player like him plays for the country,” he added.
Kaif also heaped praise on Rahul's ability of performing well in multiple roles and even captaining the team when required. He concluded by claiming that the 33-year-old is the most selfless player that India have had since the legendary Rahul Dravid.
“Play him wherever you want and he’s also ready to step up in any role. Gill was injured against South Africa and Rahul captained the side. He also helped his team win matches then also. He open sin 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. After Rahul Dravid, if there’s any other selfless player that I have seen, it’s KL Rahul,” Kaif further said.
Series hangs in the balance
Meanwhile, the ongoing ODI series between India and New Zealand is tied at 1-1 after the visitors claimed victory in the second match. The series will now be decided in the third and final game that will be held on January 18 at the Holkar stadium in Indore.