Former cricketer compares KL Rahul’s selfless batting approach to Rahul Dravid after 2nd ODI vs NZ
Mohammad Kaif praises KL Rahul as one of India’s most selfless cricketers, comparing him to Rahul Dravid after his gritty century in the India vs New Zealand 2nd ODI in Rajkot.
KL Rahul scored his 8th ODI century in Rajkot. Image | BCCI
Last Updated: 05.23 PM, Jan 15, 2026
India's star batter KL Rahul has been in an incredible form, slamming a century in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand on January 15. His batting positions have been changed multiple times but the cricketer has never failed to perform whenever the opportunity comes up. Despite India's loss in the previous game, Rahul's innings was appreciated by everyone. He played a sensible knock, helping India post a respectable total on the board.
Speaking about his innings, former cricketer Mohammad Kaif praised him for his unbelieveable performance and that, he his fkexibility has helped India get a stunning batter in the middle order. Kaif also compared KL Rahul to Rahul Dravid for the kind of flexibility he has shown in all formats of the game.
“He was told to open in Test matches which is the most difficult format and he does that. In ODIs, which is a bit easier format than Tests, he does not get to open. Here, he comes in to bat at No.5 or 6. He is fine with that too. He goes in and plays the finisher’s role there and helps is team win the match," said Mohammad Kaif in a video.
“Play him wherever you want and he’s also ready to step up in any role. Gill was injured against South Africa and Rahul captained the side. He also helped his team win matches then also. He open sin Test matches, plays down the order in ODIs, he also does captaincy when needed, he even fields in slips. Every role given to this guy, he is playing for the country. After Rahul Dravid, if there’s any other selfless player that I have seen, it’s KL Rahul,” he added.
India vs New Zealand 3rd ODI scheduled on January 18
The 3rd ODI between India and New Zealand will be a decider as the series has been leveled, 1-1. The players from both teams have played some incredible cricket over the past few days, impressing the crowd. A century from KL Rahul and Daryl Mitchell in the 2nd ODI was a proof that the players are in form and hence, the upcoming encounter is going to be a thriller. The last game is slated on January 18, 2026 at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore.
India squad: Shubman Gill (c), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (wk), Shreyas Iyer (vc), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal.
New Zealand squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young.
Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand matches from January 11 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.