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Former Indian captain and legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar showered praise on KL Rahul for his stellar performance during India’s first innings in the third Border-Gavaskar Test at the Gabba. Gavaskar noted that Rahul’s exceptional batting technique and judgment outside the off-stump reminded him of Murali Vijay and Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne, both known for their impeccable off-stump awareness.
KL Rahul top-scored for India with a gritty 84 off 139 deliveries, standing as a lone warrior while the rest of the Indian top order faltered under pressure. Battling rain interruptions, a tricky pitch, and a relentless Australian pace attack, Rahul showcased remarkable discipline and composure.
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Gavaskar Highlights Rahul’s Off-Stump Awareness
While speaking on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar analyzed Rahul’s technique and applauded his ability to judge deliveries outside the off-stump—a trait that had been instrumental to Murali Vijay’s success in Australia in the past.
“KL Rahul left deliveries very close to the off-stump so consistently that it reminded me of Marnus Labuschagne yesterday and, before him, Murali Vijay, who also had exceptional off-side judgment. Except for the first ball today, where he slightly followed the delivery, his judgment outside off-stump was fantastic,” Gavaskar said.
Gavaskar elaborated further, highlighting Rahul’s ability to play the ball late and with minimal risk:
“If you play the ball further forward, you risk edging it to slips. Rahul’s ability to play late and leave balls at the last moment was commendable. It’s a level of patience and skill that stood out in this innings.”
Rahul’s Resilience and Luck
Rahul’s innings wasn’t without its share of luck. On the first ball of the fourth day, he got a reprieve when Steve Smith dropped a straightforward chance at second slip off Josh Hazlewood. Rahul, however, capitalized on the opportunity, leaving deliveries meticulously and playing with soft hands to combat the movement off the pitch.
His innings eventually ended in the first session when Smith made amends with a stunning catch off Nathan Lyon’s bowling, but by then, Rahul had done significant damage control for India.
The Murali Vijay Comparison
Gavaskar’s comparison to Murali Vijay carries significant weight. Vijay, regarded as one of India’s most reliable openers in overseas conditions, thrived in Australia due to his impeccable technique against pace and bounce. During the 2014-15 series Down Under, Vijay amassed 531 runs, including a century and four half-centuries, at a healthy average of 44.25.
Leaving the ball outside off-stump was a cornerstone of Vijay’s success, as he trusted the bounce and wore down the opposition attack—qualities Rahul mirrored in his innings at the Gabba.
Parallel to Marnus Labuschagne
Gavaskar also drew parallels between Rahul and Marnus Labuschagne, who demonstrated similar discipline during Australia’s innings in the Adelaide Test earlier in the series. Labuschagne’s patient 64 off 126 balls was built on the foundation of leaving deliveries, even those pitched on a good length, showcasing trust in the pitch bounce.
This approach helped Australia neutralize the new ball and allowed their middle order to pile on crucial runs—an aspect Rahul attempted to replicate for India.
India’s Fight to Avoid Follow-On
While KL Rahul’s 84 set the platform, India’s lower order also rose to the occasion to prevent a follow-on. Ravindra Jadeja’s fighting 77 (123) played a key role, while an unbeaten 39-run stand for the final wicket between Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah ensured India extended the game to Day 5.
Though Australia appeared dominant, India’s collective effort gave them a fighting chance to push for a draw.
