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'Expert In DRS, His Instincts...' - Ex-Indian Batter Compares KL Rahul To MS Dhoni

image-lqlvwp2kKL Rahul will be keeping wickets during SA Tests (Twitter)

Sanjay Manjrekar had no qualms seeing KL Rahul emerge as India's first-choice Test wicketkeeper-batter for the marquee two-match Test series in South Africa, starting Tuesday (December 26) in Centurion. 

The former India batter went against the traditional word upheld in certain corners and backed the specialist batter to transform into a successful wicketkeeper-batter on his Test match comeback. 

As life would have it, Rahul finds himself back in the Test squad based on the sheer class and quality he exhibited behind stumps during the ICC World Cup 2023. 

While keeping in white-ball cricket remains the easier challenge, the selectors believe Rahul is their most capable and robust option available on the two counts in incumbent Rishabh Pant's continuing absence. 


Manjrekar Hails KL Rahul The Wicketkeeper 

The Indian team trialled KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan over the past seven Test matches but the two seemingly didn't convince the selectors, which is why, amidst a lack of promising domestic options, coach Rahul Dravid has been keen on giving Rahul a run as a middle-order bat who dons the glove. 

The move could be game-changing if it finally helps India extract the truest value and overall ability of Rahul the Test cricketer and that is why there is a brewing excitement around the Karnataka player leading into the first Test in Centurion. 

Manjrekar was highly impressed with Rahul's keeping prowess during the World Cup and also how he remained calm and relaxed in determining whether India should opt for the DRS. The veteran commentator called Rahul's instinct with the referrals similar to that of the great MS Dhoni. 

"These days, when you see KL Rahul on the ground, he looks very relaxed and in a good mind space. He captained as expected. He looks comfortable in the leadership role," Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo. 

"He has led a lot in the IPL, in a Test match in South Africa and in one-day matches as well. You can expect KL Rahul not to make any big mistake. He is an expert in DRS. His instinct is equal to that of MS Dhoni," he added.