KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who formed a game-changing 195-run partnership in India’s second innings of the first Test match against England at Headingley, Leeds, on Monday, June 23, were lavished with praise by Harbhajan Singh.
The more flashy member of the combination, Pant thwarted the England bowlers with contempt and combined aggression and caution. With 15 fours and three sixes in just 140 balls, the Indian vice-captain hammered 118 runs. Rahul, meanwhile, batted like a monk, dropping anchor and wearing out the opposition bowling order.
While assessing Rahul’s knock, Harbhajan praised his composure and defensive tenacity. The former off-spinner for India likened Rahul’s batting to that of the great Rahul Dravid.
“KL Rahul deserves recognition as well. Cool, collected, strong defence.
dependable player with the game. He understands how to operate the game in accordance with the circumstances. He played it close to the body, left the ball, and made a few drives over the first hour. He makes Rahul Dravid come to mind. On his YouTube channel, Harbhajan declared, “Brilliant hundred.”
After a lacklustre showing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the cricketer-turned-commentator was pleased to see Pant playing at his best. Harbhajan stated that his success abroad is irrelevant as long as he performs well for India.
“Pant’s consecutive centuries demonstrated his class. Rishabh Pant is back to his best. When you play for India, it counts more than how the IPL went. “I am really pleased with how he maintained his form and batted responsibly,” Harbhajan continued.
You’ll have another successful cricketing day: Harbhajan
Only six overs were bowled by Shardul Thakur during England’s opening innings. Since the Mumbai all-rounder can take wickets, Harbhajan pushed Shubman Gill to utilise him a little more with the ball in the fourth innings. India might win the first Test if they perform well on Day 5, according to the 44-year-old.
“India has the chance. Additionally, I wish for Siraj, Bumrah, Prasidh, and Shardul. If you are playing Shardul, I keep telling you to utilise him. 2–3 wickets are within his reach. Shardul Thakur is able to do it. In the past, he has also taken wickets in Test cricket. Since we don’t know how the pitch will be in the next game, they should make use of him, bowl him, and seize this chance. You’ll win if you have one more successful cricketing day,” he thought.
India should aim to win the opening session on Day 5, according to Harbhajan. If England loses early wickets, he suggested, they may have to settle for a draw.
“England has demonstrated this motivation in recent years, ever since bazball, as they chase runs and score quickly. For both teams, the opening hour is critical. 350 runs is a lot to fight for and win, but India has the runs. England would be in trouble if India can win the first session and take two or three wickets. Whether they want to play defence or try to score, they ought to be thrown into trouble. “I think they’ll go for a draw if they lose two or three wickets,” he said.
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