KL Rahul is the most selfless player I've seen after Rahul Dravid: Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has heaped praise on Indian middle-order batter KL Rahul, who scored a century in the second ODI against New Zealand in Rajkot, after a middle-order collapse.

Speaking exclusively on his YouTube channel, Kaif lauded Rahul for being versatile across formats and living up to the requirements of the Indian team in Test cricket and the 50-over format. 

"KL Rahul is a Test opener. He was told to open in Test matches. It's the toughest format and he agreed to open. ODI cricket is slightly easier but he doesn't get to bat at the top and bats lower down the order. He agrees to play that role. Rahul plays the finisher role, stays unbeaten and wins the match for India,” Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

“If Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma get out early, Rahul also hits a hundred at No.5. He scored a ton in this game by hitting a six. When wickets fell in clumps, he showed temperament and built a vital partnership. Rahul knows how to read the game and later plays fast to score a ton,” he added.

Furthermore, Kaif asserted that Rahul went on to lead the Indian ODI team in Shubman Gill’s absence, leading to a 2-1 series win. Moreover, he called him the most selfless player after Rahul Dravid, who is also from Karnataka. 

"Shubman Gill was injured against South Africa and Rahul captained then, propelling the team to series victory. He opens in Tests, bats lower in ODIs, captains and fields in slips. Whatever is required, he is ready to do for the country. Previously, there was Rahul Dravid. He also came from Bengaluru. He is the most selfless player I've seen after Rahul Dravid,” he concluded.

India and New Zealand will clash against each other in the third and final ODI on Sunday, January 18 in Indore.

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