Harbhajan Singh draws comparison between KL Rahul and Rahul Dravid

Harbhajan Singh heaped high praise on KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant for their outstanding partnership in India’s second innings during the opening Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, on Monday, June 23. The duo stitched together a crucial 195-run stand that played a defining role in shaping the course of the match, putting India firmly in control. Pant played the aggressor’s role with remarkable flair, combining calculated risks with fearless stroke play. He dominated the England bowlers with ease, unleashing an array of shots all over the park. His 118 off 140 balls was a masterclass in counterattacking Test cricket, featuring 15 crisp boundaries and three towering sixes.

Harbhajan Singh feels KL Rahul reminds us of Rahul Dravid

His confident stroke-making constantly kept England on the back foot. In contrast, KL Rahul’s approach was calm and composed, serving as the perfect foil to Pant’s attacking instinct. He showed tremendous patience, absorbing the pressure and grinding down the English attack with disciplined shot selection. Rahul’s stoic presence at the crease allowed Pant the freedom to play his natural game.

Harbhajan Singh was full of praise for KL Rahul’s composed and technically sound innings during India’s second innings in the Headingley Test against England. He highlighted Rahul’s calm demeanour and solid defensive technique, which helped anchor the Indian innings at a crucial juncture. The former India off-spinner drew comparisons between Rahul’s patient knock and the legendary Rahul Dravid, pointing out the striking similarities in their approach and temperament.

Harbhajan noted that much like Dravid, Rahul displayed immense focus and resilience, especially against a disciplined English bowling attack. He added that Rahul’s ability to absorb pressure and bat for long periods played a vital role in giving India the upper hand. According to Harbhajan, Rahul’s knock exemplified the art of traditional Test match batting, where patience and grit take precedence over flair. The praise from Harbhajan underscores Rahul's growing stature as a dependable presence in India’s red-ball setup.

"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," former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.

Shardul Thakur’s limited use with the ball in England’s first innings has drawn attention, particularly from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh. The veteran cricketer suggested that Indian captain Shubman Gill should consider using the Mumbai all-rounder more effectively in the fourth innings of the match. Thakur bowled just six overs in the first innings, but Harbhajan believes his knack for breaking partnerships and picking up crucial wickets makes him a valuable asset, especially as the game heads into its final day.

Harbhajan emphasised that Shardul has a history of delivering at key moments and could prove to be the difference-maker in a closely fought contest. With England requiring a challenging total on Day 5, Harbhajan opined that deploying Thakur more strategically could add much-needed variety and unpredictability to India’s bowling attack. He further noted that India are well-positioned to win the first Test if they remain disciplined and apply pressure consistently. Harbhajan backed the team to capitalise on their advantage, stating that Day 5 will be all about execution and composure under pressure. In his view, smart captaincy decisions—like better utilisation of Thakur—could very well tip the scales in India’s favour.

"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," Harbhajan added.