KL Rahul reminds us of Rahul Dravid: Harbhajan Singh

KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Harbhajan Singh was effusive in his praise for KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant, who forged a match-defining 195-run stand in India's second innings in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, on Monday, June 23.

Pant was the more flamboyant player in the partnership, as he mixed caution with aggression and thwarted the England bowlers with disdain. The Indian vice-captain smashed 118 runs off just 140 balls, hitting 15 fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Rahul had a monk-like approach to his batting as he dropped anchor and wore out the opposition bowling lineup.

Harbhajan lauded Rahul's calmness and solidity in defense while analysing his knock. The former India off-spinner compared Rahul's batting to the legendary Rahul Dravid.

"We must praise KL Rahul as well. Calm, composed, solid defense. Solid player who has the game. He knows how to run the game according to the condition. The first hour he left the ball, played it close to the body and played some drives as well. He reminds us of Rahul Dravid. Brilliant hundred," Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

The cricketer-turned-commentator was happy to see Pant firing on all cylinders after he had a dismal performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Harbhajan said that as long as he does well for India, it doesn't matter how he is faring elsewhere.

"Pant showed his class with back-to-back centuries. Rishabh Pant back in form. It does not matter how the IPL went but it matters when you play for India. I am very happy the way he kept his form and batted with responsibility," Harbhajan added.

One more good day of cricket and victory will be yours: Harbhajan

Shardul Thakur bowled just six overs in England's first innings. Harbhajan urged Shubman Gill to use the Mumbai all-rounder a bit more with the ball in the fourth innings, as he has the ability to pick up wickets. The 44-year-old said that India could emerge victorious if they play well on Day 5 of the first Test.

"India have the opportunity. I hope that Siraj, Bumrah, Prasidh and Shardul also. I am repeatedly telling to use Shardul if you are playing him. He can get you 2-3 wickets. Shardul Thakur has the ability. He has picked wickets in Test cricket in the past as well. They should use him, bowl him, and not let this opportunity go as we do not know how the pitch will be in the next match. One more good day of cricket and victory will be yours," he reckoned.

Harbhajan feels that India should look to win the first session on Day 5. He said that England might settle for a draw if they lose early wickets.

"England we have seen in recent times, since bazball, they go after runs and score at a quick pace and have that motive. The first hour is crucial for both teams. India have the runs, 350 runs are a lot to fight and win. If India can get the first session to their name and pick 2-3 wickets, then England will be seen in trouble. They should be brought in trouble whether they should play defense or look to score. If they lose 2-3 wickets I feel they will go for a draw," he explained.