Harbhajan Singh lauds KL Rahul, says he reminds him of Rahul Dravid

Indian opener KL Rahul and former head coach Rahul Dravid not only share the same name, but they also played for the same state. One more thing which is common between these two batters is the fact that they are proper team man. Ask them to do anything for the team and they would say ‘Yes’.

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has the experience of sharing the dressing room with Rahul Dravid, and he said KL Rahul reminds him of the former Indian captain.

Rahul scored a magnificent knock of 137 runs off 247 balls in the second innings of the opening Test against England at Leeds, Headingley on Monday. The Indian opener also added a crucial alliance of 195 runs with Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket.

“We must praise KL Rahul as well. Calm, composed, solid defense. Solid player who has the game. He knows how to run the game according to the condition. The first hour he left the ball, played it close to the body and played some drives as well. He reminds us of Rahul Dravid. Brilliant hundred,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant also scored a fine knock of 118 runs after scoring 134 runs in the first innings. Pant took the attack to the opposition and played a key role in India’s total of 364 in the second essay.

“Pant showed his class with back-to-back centuries. Rishabh Pant back in form. It does not matter how the IPL went but it matters when you play for India. I am very happy the way he kept his form and batted with responsibility,” Harbhajan added. 

The Turbanator added that India has an opportunity to win the opening Test and urged captain Shubman Gill to utilise Shardul Thakur after the all-rounder was given only six overs in the first innings.

“India have the opportunity. I hope that Siraj, Bumrah, Prasidh and Shardul also. I am repeatedly telling to use Shardul if you are playing him. He can get you 2-3 wickets. Shardul Thakur has the ability. He has picked wickets in Test cricket in the past as well. They should use him, bowl him, and not let this opportunity go as we do not know how the pitch will be in the next match. One more good day of cricket and victory will be yours,” he reckoned.

India would need to pick all 10 wickets, whereas England need another 350 runs to win.