Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded KL Rahul’s gritty performance in India’s dramatic draw against England in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, calling him the “unsung hero” of the match. While Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar earned headlines for their centuries and match-saving knocks, Pathan stressed that Rahul’s role under immense pressure was equally, if not more, significant.
Rahul stepped up in the absence of senior players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, taking on the responsibility of opening against a fierce English pace attack. Across both innings, he faced a remarkable 328 deliveries, including 98 in the first and more than 200 in the second. His ability to hold one end and neutralize the new ball was pivotal in India’s effort to salvage a draw from a precarious situation.
In the second innings, Rahul’s patient vigil brought India within reach of safety before he fell just 10 runs short of a well-deserved century to Ben Stokes’ in-swinger. Despite missing the milestone, his defensive masterclass drew praise from all quarters. Pathan emphasized that Rahul’s temperament and technical discipline were as crucial as any of the high-scoring knocks in the match.
“KL Rahul almost played 328 balls across both innings. He has played a massive role in the draw. If leaving the ball is an art, Rahul is the artist,” Pathan said, highlighting how his defensive technique under swinging conditions became the backbone of India’s resistance.
Rahul’s contributions go beyond this one Test. His consistency throughout the series has been remarkable, amassing over 500 runs at an average above 60. His performances put him in elite company, making him only the second Asian opener after Sunil Gavaskar to score more than 500 runs in a Test series in England and one of the few Indians to cross 1,000 Test runs on English soil.
Pathan also underlined Rahul’s growing importance as a senior figure in the side, particularly when younger players or replacements are under pressure. His ability to adapt to different match situations, absorb pressure, and guide the innings in testing conditions has made him an invaluable asset in India’s overseas campaigns.
The Old Trafford draw was a collective effort, but Rahul’s dogged determination symbolized India’s fight. In a match where flashy centuries grabbed the headlines, it was his unyielding grind at the crease that laid the foundation for the result. As the series moves to the final Test, Rahul’s performance serves as a reminder that not all heroics come with big scores; sometimes, it’s about standing tall and refusing to give in when the team needs it most.
KL Rahul’s innings at Old Trafford, backed by Pathan’s glowing appraisal, has cemented his reputation as one of India’s most dependable and technically sound batsmen in challenging overseas conditions, proving that true value often lies in resilience rather than just numbers.