Former Indian keeper-batter Robin Uthappa has reckoned that it’s challenging to be in KL Rahul’s shoes, stating that he has been unfairly criticised several times, similar to what Sanju Samson has faced in his career.
Speaking on the Commbox with Deepak Goyal YouTube channel, Uthappa asserted that Rahul has always dealt with criticism with a lot of class, adding that he is the most technically sound ODI batter at the moment.
“It’s challenging being in KL’s shoes. He also got tossed around a lot. He’s a milder version of Sanju Samson in being tossed around. He copped a lot as a cricketer and a human being. But he dealt with it with a lot of class. He’s right now the most technically sound batter in ODIs and Tests. He always took ownership of everything, and even when he made mistakes, he used to own it. He’s a fascinating personality but a very endearing human being,” Uthappa said.
Further, Uthappa showered praise on Rahul for emerging as a wicketkeeper in the 50-over format. Moreover, Uthappa also backed the middle-order batter to end with an extraordinary legacy over the next few years.
“He’s not a natural wicketkeeper. But the versatility that he brings to the fore in developing a skill that is required for him to exist and thrive in the ecosystem is phenomenal. He has put in a lot of work. Today, he doesn’t look like an unnatural or manufactured wicketkeeper. That’s how hard he has worked on it,” said Uthappa.
“He still has tremendous potential and will continue to be a stalwart for Indian cricket. Over the next years, I feel he’ll transition to a point where he is as respected as an Ajinkya Rahane and the love that he received when he finished and even be as endeared as a Rohit,” he concluded.
