Former India player Hemang Badani has lauded KL Rahul for scoring a patient century in the second innings of the first Test against England. He compared the Karnataka batter's approach to former India opener Murali Vijay.
Rahul scored 137 runs off 247 deliveries as India were bowled out for 364 on Day 4 (Monday, June 23) in Leeds. England ended the day at 21 for no loss in pursuit of a 371-run target.
During a discussion on Sony Sports, Badani noted that Rahul's batting reminded him of his Tamil Nadu teammate Vijay.
The former India batter pointed out that Rahul adjusted his technique quickly to red-ball cricket after a long stint in IPL 2025.
KL Rahul added 195 runs for the fourth wicket with Rishabh Pant (118 off 140) after India were reduced to 92/3. He eventually played a Brydon Carse delivery onto his stumps, with his dismissal triggering a collapse, as the visitors lost their last six wickets for 31 runs.
In the same discussion, Hemang Badani noted that KL Rahul's task became easier once he played out the new ball.
The Delhi Capitals (DC) head coach added that the franchise's top run-getter in IPL 2025 would have been keen to convert his start into a substantial knock, which he failed to do in the first innings.
KL Rahul scored 42 runs off 78 deliveries in India's first innings of the Headingley Test. He added 91 runs for the first wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159) before nicking a Brydon Carse delivery to Joe Root at first slip.
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He used to leave the ball well Hemang Badani compares KL Rahul with former India opener after century in ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test
