KL Rahul's recent performance in the first Test against England has garnered significant praise from former Indian cricketers and experts, with some even hailing his innings as "close to perfection." This comes after a series of performances that have seen Rahul solidify his place in the Indian team across formats, silencing some of his earlier critics.

In the ongoing Test match at Headingley, Leeds, Rahul showcased remarkable resilience and skill. After India gained a slender lead of six runs, the top order faced the crucial task of seeing off the new ball and building a solid foundation. While Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early, Rahul, along with Sai Sudharsan, stabilized the innings. Rahul's innings was marked by elegant cover drives and straight drives, leading to high praise for his technique and composure.

Sanjay Manjrekar, a former India batter, was particularly impressed, stating that even the harshest critic would struggle to find fault with Rahul's cover drives. Manjrekar lauded Rahul's performance on JioHotstar, emphasizing that Rahul "didn't put a foot wrong" and that his cover drives were "10 out of 10," describing them as "perfection in motion." He also acknowledged the responsibility Rahul carried, which seemed to fuel his performance.

Nasser Hussain, former England captain, joined the chorus of praise, acknowledging Rahul as "one of the best players of the cover drive" he has ever seen. Ravi Shastri, another former Indian cricketer, highlighted Rahul's importance to India's chances in the Test match.

Sunil Gavaskar, while praising Rahul, also pointed out that the talented batter hasn't quite reached his full potential. Gavaskar believes Rahul's versatility and team-first attitude are commendable, noting his willingness to keep wickets when required. However, he suggested that self-doubt might be holding Rahul back from fully realizing his potential. Gavaskar expressed hope that Rahul would have a productive series, potentially scoring over 500 or even 700 runs.

This praise follows Rahul's strong showing in the IPL 2025, where he scored 539 runs in 13 matches for Delhi Capitals at a strike rate of 149.72. He also became the first right-handed batter to score a century in the tournament, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic and adaptable player. His IPL form has also reignited discussions about his potential return to India's T20I squad, with the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon.

Aakash Chopra lauded Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal for ensuring that the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli wasn't felt by the team during their opening stand in the first Test against England. He noted Rahul's cautious approach and ability to leave deliveries outside off-stump, indicating a mature and calculated game plan.

KL Rahul's journey has been marked by both highs and lows, but his recent performances suggest he is entering a new phase of consistency and maturity. The combination of technical brilliance, adaptability, and a team-oriented mindset is making him an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team. Whether he can maintain this level of performance remains to be seen, but for now, KL Rahul is undoubtedly basking in the glow of well-deserved praise.