The remarkable evolution of KL Rahul into India's go-to finisher in One-Day Internationals has drawn admiration from all corners, with South African fast bowling great Dale Steyn delivering perhaps the most compelling endorsement. Steyn suggests that Rahul's current role, while brilliantly executed, might be hiding an even more prolific batsman capable of scoring centuries regularly.
From Stability to Spectacle: Rahul's Finishing Masterclass
In the ongoing three-match ODI series against South Africa, KL Rahul has been a pillar of consistency in the middle and lower order. The wicketkeeper-batter played two crucial unbeaten knocks, demonstrating a sharp understanding of the game's demands. He scored a steady 60 in Ranchi to help India secure a win in the first match.
He followed it with an even more explosive 66 off just 43 balls in Raipur, showcasing his ability to accelerate dramatically during the death overs. Despite his heroics, India's total of 358 for 5, built on centuries from Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad, was chased down by South Africa, led by Aiden Markram's 110, leveling the series at 1-1.
Steyn's Striking Analysis: A 'Hundred Machine' in Disguise
Analysing the matches on Star Sports, Dale Steyn was full of praise for Rahul's tactical acumen and skill. "A good, handy knock set by the skipper, KL, and he led his team well in the first one. In the second game too, he knew exactly when to go slow and when to explode," Steyn observed, highlighting Rahul's effective partnership with Ravindra Jadeja during a tense phase.
However, Steyn made a fascinating and bold claim about Rahul's untapped potential. He argued that the batter, often slotted at No. 5 or 6, is naturally suited for bigger scores. "He just knows how to do it. If he batted 3 or opened, I'm pretty certain he would go on to get hundreds," Steyn stated. He described Rahul as a "hundred machine forced to finish," emphasizing that the player's adaptability to a specific team role is a priceless asset for India, even if it limits his personal milestones.
The Road to the Vizag Decider
With the series perfectly poised at 1-1, all eyes now turn to the final showdown in Visakhapatnam on December 6. The match is not just a series decider but also another stage for KL Rahul to further solidify his reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in modern ODI cricket. Steyn's comments have added a compelling layer to the narrative, sparking a debate on whether Rahul's supreme versatility is also a slight curb on his run-scoring potential. Regardless, his form remains a critical factor for India as they seek to clinch the series victory.
