KL Rahul Still Doesn’t Realise How Good He Is: Sunil Gavaskar’s Honest Take on India Star

As the first Test between India and England in Leeds heads into Day 4, KL Rahul remains unbeaten on 47\*, batting alongside captain Shubman Gill who earlier registered a century in the first innings. India finished Day 3 at 90/2, holding a 96-run lead with Rahul showing strong composure and class during the final session.

After an impressive start in the first innings where he scored 42, Rahul once again showcased his range of elegant strokes in the second innings, playing with poise and restraint as India attempted to build a formidable total.

‘A TOTAL TEAM MAN’: GAVASKAR’S HIGH PRAISE

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on the Karnataka batter, lauding his versatility and team-first mindset. He pointed out Rahul’s willingness to take on different roles, including keeping wickets, to serve the team’s needs.

> “He’s a total team man. He’s even taken up wicketkeeping duties when needed. That’s the kind of selfless attitude you want in the dressing room,” said Gavaskar.

Highlighting Rahul’s composed demeanour, Gavaskar noted,

> “He reacts calmly to situations. There’s a rare equanimity about him. In a time when players often go overboard to show their achievements, KL’s celebrations are muted. He’s understated, and perhaps doesn’t ever realise how good he truly is.”

UNREALIZED POTENTIAL? GAVASKAR THINKS SO

Despite his technical brilliance and elegant strokeplay, Rahul has often been criticised for not living up to his immense potential. Gavaskar believes that might be due to self-doubt.

> “He has all the shots – the flicks, the off-side drives, on the front foot, on the back foot – it’s thrilling to watch. That cover drive we saw earlier was just perfection,” Gavaskar added.

> “But somehow, he hasn’t quite fulfilled his promise. It could be a mental block or maybe some self-doubt, something that’s not uncommon among Bangalore cricketers.”

A BIG SERIES AHEAD

Gavaskar expressed hope that this series will finally be the one where Rahul converts his promise into consistent performances.

> “If he can go on to score 500 or even 700 runs in this series, that would be incredible for India. He certainly can do it.”

With Rahul set to resume his innings on Day 4, all eyes will be on whether he can push on from another promising start and help India build a match-winning total.