KL Rahul is a total team man, doesn't know how good a player he is: Sunil Gavaskar
"He has even been asked to keep wickets. He does that for the team, and that's what you want in the team," Gavaskar said about KL Rahul.
Former India opening batter Sunil Gavaskar described KL Rahul as a total team player, someone who has kept wickets for India across formats when needed. The Karnataka cricketer has had a good start to the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy as he has registered scores of 42 and 47 not out so far in the ongoing first Test at Headingley, Leeds.
On Day 3, Rahul looked in sublime form as he hit seven boundaries to finish unbeaten on 47 off 75 balls. His promising knock helped India reach 90/2, taking a lead of 96 runs on Sunday, June 22. He missed out on a chance to convert his start into a big score in the first innings. The 33-year-old would want to build on his start in the second innings and slam a substantial score on Day 4, as India look to set the hosts a formidable target.
Gavaskar opined that Rahul has not been able to play to his potential so far. The former India captain stated that Rahul would also agree to this assessment.
"Total team man. He has even been asked to keep wickets. He does that for the team, and that's what you want in the team. You see the way he reacts to the situation. He's got an equanimity about him, which is so rare because in today's day and age where everybody's got to be doing things to show that they have achieved something, his celebrations are also muted. One thing everybody agrees about KL Rahul is that he doesn't know how good a player he is. I mean, he would agree," said Gavaskar.
He's got so much talent: Gavaskar
Gavaskar heaped praise on Rahul, calling him a talented cricketer who has all the shots in the book. However, the cricketer-turned-commentator feels that self-doubt could be stopping the Mangaluru-born from realising his true potential.
"He's got so much talent. Look at all the shots on the offside, leg-side, the flick, everything. All the shots, but he hasn't lived up to that. Now, that could be a bit of self-doubt in his mind or whatever that sometimes keeps the Bangalore boys from fulfilling their potential," said Gavaskar.
Bumrah's fifer holds back England on Day 3 at Headingley
Gavaskar hailed Rahul's cover drive, calling it perfect. The former hoped that the Indian opener would have an excellent series for India, scoring close to 700 runs.
"Thrilling to watch off the front foot, off the back foot, then the straight batter drive, which we saw just now and the cover drive. I can rave about that cover drive because there's perfection in that. I hope that he comes good in this series and scores over 500, maybe 700 runs. That would be fantastic from India," added Gavaskar.
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