KL Rahul has garnered high praise as a "complete Test player," but former Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has highlighted a significant concern regarding Rahul's inability to convert promising starts into substantial scores. This observation comes amidst Rahul's ongoing performance in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, where he has shown glimpses of brilliance but has yet to deliver a defining, big innings.

Pujara, known for his solid technique and resilient batting, acknowledged Rahul's exceptional talent and technical soundness. "Technically, he's one of the most correct batsmen in the Indian Test team," Pujara stated, emphasizing Rahul's impressive footwork, timing, and judgment of length. He lauded Rahul's ability to adapt to various match situations, describing him as a "complete Test player."

However, Pujara also pointed out a recurring pattern in Rahul's Test career. "But at the same time, he has to score big runs," Pujara noted, adding, "he's capable enough, but there are times where he gets off to a good start and then he gets out." This concern stems from Rahul's tendency to squander opportunities after getting well-set at the crease.

Pujara highlighted Rahul's first-innings performance in the ongoing Test as a prime example. Rahul had negotiated the new ball effectively and built a solid platform, but he was dismissed for 42, failing to capitalize on his promising start. "It was a perfect time for him to capitalize," Pujara said, expressing his disappointment at Rahul's dismissal. "He batted really well. He gave us a good start, but after that, it was a bit disappointing to see him get out because it was a perfect opportunity for him to get that 100."

Despite this criticism, Pujara remains optimistic about Rahul's potential to overcome this hurdle. He noted that Rahul looked well-set in the second innings, remaining unbeaten on 47 at the close of play on Day 3. Pujara believes that if Rahul can surpass the 50-run mark, he is likely to convert it into a significant score. "If he gets to that 50 mark because that's a nervous time for KL Rahul," Pujara explained. "Once he crosses his 50, then most of the time he converts it into a big one. So tomorrow, let's hope that he carries on from here and then gets a big one."

Echoing Pujara's sentiments, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has also praised Rahul's talent and described him as a "total team man." Gavaskar highlighted Rahul's adaptability, noting his willingness to keep wickets for the team when required. However, Gavaskar also expressed his belief that Rahul has not yet realized his full potential, possibly due to self-doubt. "One thing everybody agrees about KL Rahul is that he doesn't know how good a player he is," Gavaskar stated, adding, "He's got so much talent...but he hasn't lived up to that."

KL Rahul has reached a milestone of completing 1,000 runs against England in Tests, joining the ranks of 17 Indian players who have accomplished this feat. In his 26th Test innings against England, Rahul's record includes two centuries and six half-centuries, with an average of over 39. He has scored eight Test centuries in his career, three of which have been against England, marking his highest number of centuries against any single nation.

KL Rahul's journey in Test cricket has been marked by both brilliance and inconsistency. While he has demonstrated the potential to be a world-class Test batter, his inability to consistently convert starts into big scores remains a concern. As he continues his career, overcoming this hurdle will be crucial for him to solidify his place as a leading figure in the Indian batting lineup and fulfill the immense potential that so many see in him.