Former India captain Anil Kumble has praised KL Rahul’s mature batting during India’s first innings on Day 2 of the third Test at Lord’s. Rahul ended the day unbeaten on 53 runs off 113 balls, helping India reach 145/3 while trailing England by 242 runs.
India lost early wickets with Yashasvi Jaiswal departing for 13 and skipper Shubman Gill dismissed for 16. Karun Nair, however, provided some resistance, scoring a solid 40 off 62 deliveries. Amid the top-order wobble, it was Rahul’s composed presence that steadied the innings.
Kumble was thoroughly impressed with Rahul’s approach, especially under challenging conditions. “It was fantastic, a typical KL Rahul innings where he had to grind it out,” he said on JioHotstar.
He also lauded Rahul’s handling of England pacer Jofra Archer’s aggressive spell. “It was a fiery spell from Jofra Archer — especially that first spell where he clocked over 150 kmph, with steep bounce and a bit of swing early on,” he added.
Kumble went on to highlight Rahul’s temperament and technique throughout the knock. “KL countered all of that brilliantly. He was clinical in his approach and looked in control. It was a very disciplined and mature knock, and I’m sure he’ll be satisfied with how he played,” he concluded.
Jonathan Trott: “KL Was Excellent”
Former England batter Jonathan Trott also showered praise on Rahul for his resilient innings and underlined his importance in India’s batting line-up.
“I don’t think you can go out there and dictate terms to the bowlers on this pitch. You have to be watchful, it’s very much a new-ball wicket. KL was excellent in nullifying that early threat and played very straight,” Trott said.
He further compared Rahul’s approach to that of Shubman Gill’s in the second Test. “Just like Shubman Gill did in the second Test, using a straight bat, being patient when the ball’s on the stumps, and capitalising on the bad balls,” he added.
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