"He's eased up the pressure on Yashasvi Jaiswal" - Sunil Gavaskar lauds KL Rahul after his unbeaten knock on Day 2 of BGT 2024/25 1st Test
Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar lauded KL Rahul's solidity on Day 2 of the opening Test against Australia in Perth, crediting him for easing the pressure on Yashasvi Jaiswal. The 75-year-old observed that Jaiswal could play a fairly free-flowing innings only due to Rahul's solidity.
Rahul, who came into the Test under some pressure, handled Australia's fast-bowling cartel expertly to finish the day unbeaten on 62. The Karnataka-born cricketer also played a promising knock of 26 on a tricky surface on Day 1 to bunt the new ball.
Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar dissected Rahul's unbeaten innings, claiming:
"I think what he's done is he's eased up the pressure on Yashasvi Jaiswal. When you have a partner at the other end, who is looking so secure like Rahul is doing, then the other partner who's probably got more strokes, who is a little more adventurous can play his shots, and that's what happened. So, Yashasvi Jaswal has actually flowered in his company."
The 32-year-old had been out of form ahead of this series, facing an axe for the second and third Test against New Zealand at home. He also had a forgettable game against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
"Rahul hasn't missed out on the scoring opportunity" - Sunil Gavaskar
Gavaskar went on to describe the keeper-batter's unbeaten knock so far as a typical Test innings and singled out his straight drive against Pat Cummins. He stated:
"You can say that because he's seen the solidity of Rahul. Rahul hasn't missed out on the scoring opportunity when the ball has been pitched up. He's driven it gloriously through the covers. There is this straight drive that he played of Pat Cummins as, well brilliant. It's been a very, very good innings. It's been what you would call a proper five-day test match innings."
After bowling Australia out for 104 and taking a 46-run lead, the visitors held a lead of 218 at stumps.