KL Rahul is India’s most technically correct batter, but needs to convert starts: Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara lauded KL Rahul’s batting skills, calling the 33-year-old the most technically correct batter in the current Indian squad featuring on the tour of England for a five-match series. However, the veteran batter urged Rahul to capitalise on his starts and convert them into significant scores.

The Karnataka-born showed a lot of grit and determination during his 42-run knock off 78 balls in the first innings of the first Test between India and England in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. However, he tried to play an expansive drive and was out caught by Joe Root, edging the ball to first slip.

“Technically, he’s one of the most correct batsmen in the Indian Test team, and the way he times the ball, the way his footwork is, the way he judges the length, he looks like he’s a complete Test player. But at the same time, he has to score big runs, and he’s capable enough, but there are times where he gets off to a good start and then he gets out,” Pujara said about Rahul on the broadcast.

Rahul has got himself off to another promising start in the second innings. The Mangaluru-born finished unbeaten on 47 off 75 balls at Stumps on Day 3, helping India take a 96-run lead. Pujara hopes to see Rahul get a big score on the penultimate day of the Test match, which can help the visitors set a huge total for the Ben Stokes-led side to win the series opener.

“We saw in the first innings. It was a perfect time for him to capitalise. He batted really well. He gave us a good start, but after that, it was a bit disappointing to see him get out because it was a perfect opportunity for him to get that 100. But now this innings, it looks like he has started off really well once again. He’s batting on 47. If he gets to that 50 mark, because that’s a nervous time for KL Rahul. Once he crosses his 50, then most of the time he converts it into a big one. So tomorrow, let’s hope that he carries on from here and then gets a big one,” he added.