Former Indian speedster Varun Aaron believes star batter KL Rahul`s returns with the bat so far in Tests do not do justice to the kind of potential that the latter has. Often being criticized for his inconsistency, Rahul had a sensational outing in India`s Test series against England where he scored in excess of 500 runs and also smashed his second Test hundred at Lord`s.
Aaron shed light on how beautifully India`s opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul complement each other. While Rahul is known for his resilience and his calm demeanor, Jaiswal is known for taking the attack to the opposition with aggressive strokeplay. The duo have formed a brilliant opening combination for the Indian Test team, especially away from home in Australia and England.
Speaking on Jio Hotstar`s show `Game Plan`, here`s what Varun Arron had to say about KL Rahul`s numbers and his camaraderie with Yashasvi Jaiswal:
“KL Rahul has always belonged to that opening spot. Just looking at the quality he possesses, sometimes his numbers baffle me. I’d say his average should have been in the high 40s, if not 50. He has had form slumps on and off, but right now, Rahul is batting better than he ever has, especially with the way he performed in England. He looked so organised, almost reminding me of the same player I played with in the under-19s – disciplined, composed, and a great leaver of the ball. On the other hand, you have Jaiswal, someone who attacks the opposition. So, together, it’s a great blend of fire and ice at the top. Jaiswal as the aggressor, and Rahul grinding it out, always promising to deliver those big runs.”
Varun Aaron also believes the current Indian team will take a lot of confidence ahead of their two-match Test series against West Indies, especially after managing to draw the series 2-2 away in England earlier this year.
“I think this is a very new-look Indian team. A lot has changed, with two very big names missing from the squad. But there are also many players who have done really well in England, and the confidence is very high. Yes, the conditions are contrasting, but when you draw a Test series the way India just did in overseas conditions, you carry a lot of belief. And I think that belief is really going to hold good,” Aaron concluded.