‘Huge Compliment’: KL Rahul ‘Humbled’ by Gavaskar's 'Top 10 Century in Indian History' Remark

The Indian cricket fraternity bowed down to KL Rahul after his resilient knock took Team India to a respectable total in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. Playing as a wicketkeeper-batter for the first time in the red-ball format, Rahul mustered 101 runs with the help of 14 boundaries and 4 sixes. Riding on his 8^th Test hundred, India posted 245 in the first innings after being asked to bat first at the SuperSport Park.

Impressed by Rahul’s patient innings, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar heaped massive praise on the Karnataka batter. Commentating on Star Sports, the former India captain said Rahul’s century was among the top 10 centuries in Indian Test cricket history.

“I’ve been watching cricket for the last 50 years, but I can surely say that this hundred by Rahul is in the Top 10 centuries scored by Indians in Test cricket,” he said during commentary.

During the post-day press conference, Rahul was asked about his reaction to this heart-winning compliment by Gavaskar. But before the reporter could finish asking his question, Rahul let out an exclamatory ‘wow’ before answering.

“Firstly, I’m very humbled he’s made that comment. It’s a pretty huge compliment to get. Batting in the middle order, what I’ve realised is that you can’t really plan your innings all that much when you walk in. There is a situation in front of you. The game tells you how you need to play and what you need to do in that time and in that moment,” he said.

“That’s what I try to do walk in with a very free and empty mindset when I’m batting and see what the game demands of me and try and do my best. Yesterday and today the situation was quite clear: I am batting with the tail and need to take my chances. I tried to score as many runs as possible so I’m pretty happy,” he added.

Rahul said the Centurion wicket never allows a batter to “feel set” and at times one can score freely and at times one can’t. The key to batting in the middle order and playing long is not to plan too much, reckoned the 31-year-old.

“You can’t plan that much. There’s a game situation that tells you how to play in that time and moment. You have to remain free and empty. You need to be aware that you might have to bat with tail,” he said.