Former Team India captain Sunil Gavaskar praised KL Rahul for his consistent contributions to the national team. Gavaskar said that the wicketkeeper-batter often delivers important performances but does not always receive the recognition he deserves, making him one of India's most valuable players.
India, led by Shubman Gill, are facing Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Saturday, June 13. The toss was delayed due to rain, while India entered the match without Virat Kohli, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.
KL Rahul Is One of the Unsung Heroes of Indian Cricket - Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar praised KL Rahul for his importance to the Indian team. Speaking during a pre-match broadcast on JioStar, the former India captain said that Rahul's consistent performances often go unnoticed despite his valuable contributions across formats.
"KL Rahul is one of the unsung heroes of Indian Cricket," Sunil Gavaskar said.
Rahul has been in excellent form in ODI cricket since 2025. The wicketkeeper-batter has averaged 63.6 while scoring at a strike rate of 111, making him one of India's most reliable middle-order players.
At No. 5 under head coach Gautam Gambhir, Rahul averages 109.5 with a strike rate of 129, registering one century and one half-century in four innings. His performances have strengthened India's middle order and provided stability in crucial situations.
KL Rahul Eyes Exclusive 2,000-Run Milestone as India's Wicketkeeper-Batter
KL Rahul is just 105 runs away from a major ODI milestone in the series against Afghanistan. If he reaches the mark, Rahul will become only the third Indian player to score 2,000 ODI runs as a designated wicketkeeper-batter.
Rahul Dravid was the first Indian to achieve the feat, scoring 2,300 runs in 73 matches as a wicketkeeper between 1999 and 2004. MS Dhoni holds the Indian record with 10,599 runs in 294 innings while serving as the team's primary wicketkeeper from 2004 to 2019.
KL Rahul currently has 1,895 runs in 48 ODI innings at an impressive average of 57.42 as a designated wicketkeeper. Among Indian wicketkeeper-batters, Nayan Mongia is next on the list with 1,272 runs, followed by Rishabh Pant with 714 and Kiran More with 563.
KL Rahul Likely To Bat At No.3 In Afghanistan ODIs
Morne Morkel said India will need to explore different options at No. 3 following Virat Kohli's injury. The bowling coach acknowledged that Kohli's presence and ability to control the middle overs will be missed but added that the team has enough batting depth to test different combinations during the series.
"Virat is a key player, and his approach during the middle phase is something we will miss. Injuries are beyond our control, unfortunately."
The Indian management is considering multiple candidates for the vacant spot, including Ishan Kishan, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul. The Afghanistan series provides an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess these options and identify the most suitable replacement in Kohli's absence.
After the opening ODI in Dharamsala, the teams will meet again in Lucknow on June 17 before the series concludes at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on June 20.
