KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja showcased remarkable patience and resolve to script a strong comeback for India in the fourth Test against England in Manchester. Trailing by 311 runs in the first innings, India found themselves in a precarious position. But thanks to Rahul and Jadeja, the visitors clawed their way back to secure a hard-fought draw, keeping the series alive. Former India opener Aakash Chopra lauded the duo’s efforts, calling them central to what has become a gripping contest.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra praised KL Rahul’s composed and disciplined knock. He described the opener’s gritty 90 off 230 balls as “monk-like,” and expressed hope that Rahul’s contributions would finally receive due recognition. “At some point, I hope people start giving him the respect he deserves. He’s playing like a tapasvi, a true ascetic at the crease. He may have missed his century, but he’s been the backbone of India’s top order this series,” Chopra said.
The absence of Rohit Sharma, who retired from Test cricket before the series, had raised questions about India’s top-order stability. But Rahul, along with the young and aggressive Yashasvi Jaiswal, has stepped up seamlessly. Chopra admitted he had his doubts about how India would cope without Rohit, particularly in English conditions. “We expected to miss Rohit at some point, given how good he was last time here. But KL and Yashasvi have done incredibly well. They’ve been solid and confident, and that’s been vital,” he added.
While Rahul laid the foundation, it was Jadeja who shut the door on England’s chances of a win. His unbeaten 107 off 185 balls was not just a century – it was a statement of maturity and a reaffirmation of his standing as one of the game’s premier all-rounders. His 203-run partnership with Washington Sundar, who also remained unbeaten on a hundred, turned the tide on the final day and blunted England’s attack.
Reflecting on the criticism he once faced for ranking Jadeja ahead of Ben Stokes as the best Test all-rounder, Chopra said: “People gave me a hard time for that call, but the numbers backed it. And now again, Jadeja’s shown why he’s the real deal. Four fifties and now this hundred – it’s been a series to remember for him.” He also admired Jadeja’s hunger for personal milestones amid pressure. “He wasn’t looking for a draw, he wanted that hundred. And rightly so. He earned every bit of it. England thought they could win when he came in, but he didn’t allow that to happen.”
– Ends
