The KLassy Rahul we all know: Fans draw connection between RCB's praise for batter and IPL auction
Perth: KL Rahul remained technically unflappable, while Yashasvi Jaiswal combined game awareness with perfect shot selection in an unbroken opening stand of 172 as India looked poised to bat Australia out of the match with an overall lead of 218 runs on Day Two of the opening Test here on Saturday.
The Indian openers provided a masterclass in classical batting as they played elegant shots all around the ground. Rahul was in sublime touch, with his disciplined technique on full display, while Jaiswal exhibited maturity beyond his years, applying the right strokes at the right time.
In a show of admiration, Rahul’s former IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), expressed their amazement at a stunning straight drive he played against Pat Cummins. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), RCB posted a video of the shot, captioning it, “The KLassy Rahul we all know.” The appreciation of their former player ahead of the upcoming IPL auction has sparked a flurry of reactions from fans and pundits alike.
Netizens were quick to share their thoughts, adding to the excitement ahead of the auction. One user commented, “Are you going to target him in the auction? He’ll be a great fit for your team. Your local guy will definitely perform well in your setup.” Another wrote, “Go for him in tomorrow's auction. Don’t let him slip this time!”
Others were full of praise, with one fan simply stating, “Classy player of all time, Rahul.” A particularly eager fan requested, “Le bhi lena kal, please” (Please pick him tomorrow). RCB’s admiration for Rahul has certainly added an extra layer of intrigue to the IPL auction.
Back on the field, Rahul and Jaiswal’s partnership was a testament to the art of traditional Test match batting. After Australia were bowled out for just 104 runs in the morning session, courtesy of a game-changing five-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah, India had a 46-run first-innings lead. They extended that advantage with a solid, measured batting display in their second innings.
Rahul (62 not out from 154 balls) and Jaiswal (90 not out from 193 balls) showed great patience, waiting for loose deliveries and respecting the good fast bowling. Despite the challenges posed by the Australian quicks, the two young batters kept the scoreboard ticking over steadily, leaving the opposition without answers.
RCB’s video of Rahul’s stylish drive was a welcome distraction as fans continued to rally behind the Indian pair. In the post-tea session, India scored 88 runs from 31 overs, with Jaiswal inching closer to a well-deserved century on his debut tour of Australia. His ability to adapt from his first-innings duck and curb his natural instinct to drive on the up was a highlight of his composed batting.
With plenty of time left in the match and cracks beginning to appear in the Perth pitch, India is in a commanding position. The batting of Rahul and Jaiswal has been the cornerstone of India’s dominance, and barring any unforeseen mishaps, this Test appears to be India’s to lose. The only moment of real concern came when a miscommunication nearly led to Rahul’s run-out, but otherwise, both batters were hardly troubled.
Jaiswal, in particular, showed impressive maturity in his second innings, making a conscious effort to play more defensively and not overcommit to shots early on, something he had learned from his first-innings mistake. His disciplined approach was a crucial part of India’s strong position heading into Day Three.
As the duo prepares to continue their solid batting exploits on Sunday, Indian cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this compelling contest. (With inputs from Agencies)