Former Indian cricketer, Mohammad Kaif has heaped praises on the Karnataka-based wicket-keeper batsman, KL Rahul, referring him as India’s own Swiss Knife. Rahul was in extraordinary form during India’s tour of New Zealand. He was the highest run scorer of the T20I series where his 224 runs in 5 innings helped India whitewash New Zealand 5-0 in the T20I series. This was a historic win for India as they had a dismal record in the Kiwi conditions prior to this tour.
Rahul not only opened the innings for India in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan but, he also kept the wickets better than the team’s previous first choice keeper, Rishabh Pant. The right-handed batsman later skippered the team when Virat Kohli was rested and stand-in captain Rohit Sharma picked up an injury.
This shows his versatility and how he could perform the assigned duties to perfection. Unfortunately, Rahul’s tremendous form could not help India do well in the ODI series as the Blackcaps thrashed them 3-0 in the 50 overs format. Rahul slammed his first hundred batting at the number 5 position during the 3rd One-day international however, even that could not help the Men in Blue win.
While Rahul was India’s best player in the ODI and T20I series, he was surprisingly excluded from the Test squad of the Indian team. India was undefeated in the ICC World Test Championship before they met New Zealand in Wellington and Christchurch. The hosts decimated Virat Kohli and co. in the two Tests. Harsha Bhogle pointed out that the poor performance of openers was the key reason behind India’s defeat. Prithvi Shaw and Mayank Agarwal were playing their first Test series in New Zealand hence, they struggled to get going at the top.
Mohammad Kaif though has appreciated Rahul’s performances, comparing him with a Swiss Knife for his ability to play different roles.
Opens the innings
Keeps wickets
Stands in as captain
Now finishes big for his teamKL Rahul is Team India’s very own Swiss knife! #NZvIND
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) February 5, 2020
