KL Rahul is India's Best Batsman After Virat Kohli: PV Shashikanth

When Indian batsman KL Rahul was roped in by the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) team during the Indian Premier League’s two-day mega-auction for the season eleven, many were taken aback.

In this edition of the IPL, Rahul has so far been one of the most consistent players. He has made an impact like few others.

The batter missed out on the IPL action last season due to a shoulder injury he sustained during the high-voltage series against Australia. There too, Rahul left his mark, scoring 393 runs and providing solid starts.

This year, playing for a new franchise, Rahul started his stint with the fastest fifty in the tournament’s history. He had his hands on the Orange Cap on numerous occasions this season and continues to belt out impressive numbers.

Punjab’s go-to-man:

Two back-to-back unbeaten knocks (84* and 95* against Rajasthan Royals) meant, the opener was in the list of the top-five run-getters this season.

With 471 runs at an average of 58.87 and a strike rate of 156.47, the Karnataka-born cricketer has left behind his opening partner Chris Gayle. The duo has provided some brisk starts to their campaign and that has been Punjab’s strength this year.

Coach lauds Rahul’s consistent show

Karnataka’s Ranji Trophy coach P.V. Shashikanth, who has worked with KL Rahul since his Under-19 days, is impressed with his lad.

“I believe Rahul is India’s best batsman after [Virat] Kohli and his performance in the IPL could make him an even better and more confident player than he already is. I was impressed with him right from the first time I saw him. His timing and technique had caught my eye straightaway,” Shashikanth told Sportstar.

Shashikanth also went to channel comparison with AB de Villiers and feels no one will question Rahul’s limited-overs credentials now.

“He has been phenomenal in this IPL. His batting has reminded me of A.B. de Villiers,” he said.