![KL Rahul gets lauded by Mohammad Kaif [Source: @ABsay_ek/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1768482928419_KLRahulgetslaudedbyMohammadKaif.jpg?type=hq)
KL Rahul gets lauded by Mohammad Kaif [Source: @ABsay_ek/X]
India’s wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was heavily praised by former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif after his gritty century turned into a rescue act for the team in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot.
Notably, KL Rahul scored his hundred while batting at No. 5, stepping up at a time when India were reeling from rapid wicket falls in the first innings and struggling to put a competitive total on the board. Rahul’s century provided the much-needed stability and momentum to the innings.
Mohammad Kaif reserves big praise for KL Rahul!
However, his effort was not enough to secure a win, as New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell responded with a solid hundred of his own, guiding the visitors to a comfortable chase. Despite the result, Rahul’s knock drew widespread appreciation.
After the match, Mohammad Kaif hailed KL Rahul as one of the most selfless cricketers to have played for India since Rahul Dravid. Kaif highlighted Rahul’s rare ability to adapt to the team’s needs, pointing out that he can bat at No. 5 or No. 6 depending on the situation and the demands of the game.
“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 told in a video posted on X.
Kaif appreciates Rahul's temparament
Kaif also lauded Rahul’s awareness and temperament, noting how he read the match situation perfectly and raised his intensity to reach a century at a time when other batters were struggling. He further described Rahul as an excellent adapter who handles pressure well in every role assigned to him.
“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,” Kaif added.
“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,” Kaif said.
KL Rahul excels in every situation, every place
According to Kaif, Rahul’s versatility extends beyond batting, as he excels whether he is keeping wickets or fielding in the slips, making him a valuable all-round contributor to the Indian team.
“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,” Kaif said.
“He opens in 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,” he added.
Nevertheless, KL Rahul has 141 runs from his two matches in the New Zealand series, and he would like to continue his form in the third ODI scheduled for January 18 as well.
