Is K.L. Rahul Delivering a Masterclass in Batting Under English Conditions?

Leeds, June 23 (NationPress) Former England skipper Nasser Hussain praised K.L. Rahul for his resilient 72 not out during the initial session of the fourth day of the first Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, asserting that the right-handed batsman is providing a masterclass in batting under English conditions.

On Monday, Rahul demonstrated extraordinary composure and an ability to handle pressure amidst challenging balls and inconsistent bounce, achieving his 18th Test half-century in a session where only 63 runs were scored off 24.1 overs. "He is so graceful. Even when a ball narrowly misses the outside edge, it doesn’t seem to affect him too much. If you want to master batting in English conditions, he is offering a true masterclass," Hussain remarked on Sky Sports’ broadcast during the lunch break, with India’s lead sitting at 159 runs.

Despite the ball moving unpredictably and a few deliveries rising awkwardly, Rahul showcased remarkable restraint as he navigated through the storm, forming an unbroken 61-run partnership with Rishabh Pant, who initially struggled but settled to remain not out on 31 off 59 balls.

“Dinesh Karthik aptly described the Rahul-Pant alliance when he likened it to classical music from one end and hip-hop from the other. After a chaotic start, Pant has calmed down and is now in control of his innings. Rahul has consistently displayed a sensible approach,” Hussain added.

Rahul was also fortunate to survive a dropped catch at 58 by Harry Brook at gully off Josh Tongue, which led former fast bowler Stuart Broad to comment on the numerous dropped catches seen in the ongoing match from both sides.

“I have more sympathy for fielders dropping catches now that I’m no longer playing, as they are not coming off my bowling! Headingley is a tricky venue - the ball can easily get lost in the stands, and when the clouds roll in, certain areas appear darker. Just a moment of lost sight can lead to tension,” Broad remarked.

Broad also discussed strategies England could employ to dislodge a determined Rahul in the second session.

“He has played some exquisite drives, but I particularly enjoyed Stokes’ field setup last night, which left mid-off completely open. He had a square extra cover, tempting Rahul to drive straighter.”

“England could consider bowling short to him for a while, similar to the approach India took with Jamie Smith. This might push him out of his comfort zone and lead to a mistake. I suspect England will appear somewhat flat; things didn’t quite click for them,” he concluded.

K.L. Rahul skillfully utilized his extensive experience to score an unbeaten 72 during a challenging session for India, as their lead grew to 159 runs after reaching 153/3 in 48 overs of their second innings at lunch on day four, with Rishabh Pant accompanying him at 31 not out.