Right before Day 5 started with England ready to chase down a target of 371 runs starting from zero without losing a wicket, the Indian cricketers gathered together, like most teams typically do before each session begins. The intriguing part was what transpired during that meeting. KL Rahul One of India's most seasoned cricketers in the lineup now was handling all the communication instead of the captain. Shubman Gill Or vice-captain Rishabh Pant. Initially, it did not yield instant results as Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley successfully countered India's bowlers for over a session. However, Rahul stepped up his game once again during the second session, playing a more crucial role this time around.
When play resumed following a rain interruption during the afternoon session, KL Rahul assumed captaincy from Shubman Gill and took charge of leading the team. Instantly, the atmosphere within the Indian squad seemed invigorated with new vigor.
Prasidh Krishna Bowling from the end typically assigned to Bumrah, he delivered a fuller delivery that went against Jasprit Bumrah's style and managed to move the ball sharply. It also caught the outer edge of Zak Crawley’s bat, who had settled in nicely at the crease. Can you guess who took the catch in the slips to seal the dismissal? None other than KL Rahul!
India has faltered with some catches in this Test match, but Rahul wasn’t about to let go of this chance to seal an enormous opening stand. Their 188-run collaboration came undone when India secured their initial wicket in the second innings.
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India's chances of making a comeback in the match received another boost when Krishna, in the following over, produced a delivery that moved sharply off a good length, squeezing through the space between Ollie Pope's bat and pad. This disturbed the wickets of the centurion who had scored a century in the first innings.
Rahul promptly gathered everyone around and took over the conversation, similar to how he briefly assumed control of the field positions.
"If you observe the current scenario and inquire about who is leading the team, it would be KL Rahul. He has handled all the gestures and arranged the field positions. The transformation is clear," commented former England captain Nasser Hussain during his analysis.
Rahul possesses greater leadership experience at the top tier compared to both Gill and Rishabh Pant. He has captained India across all forms of the game and stands as the second-most seasoned player in the squad following all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
KL Rahul's advice to Shubman Gill
Prior to the commencement of the Anderson-Tendulkar series, Rahul mentioned that he would constantly support Gill on the field. "The moment the squad was revealed, I contacted Shubman as soon as he was named captain," Rahul stated to Sony Sports Network. "(I assured him,) No matter what assistance or advice you require, whether you want to discuss anything or just have a chat, I'll always be nearby. However, I think individuals should be allowed some personal space to trust their instincts. Whenever they seek my input, I am readily available."
On day 5 of the first Test at Headingley, Rahul backed up his splendid hundred in India’s second innings with action.
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