Solid KL Rahul eased up the pressure on Yashasvi Jaiswal: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has showered massive praise on KL Rahul for easing up the pressure on Yashasvi Jaiswal during Day 2 of the first Test at Optus Stadium in Perth. Notably, Jaiswal and Rahul got involved in a mammoth 172-run opening stand and brought India in a commanding position in the Test match.

The duo batted in a traditional Test match style respecting the conditions early on in their innings and saw off the new ball. Following their incredible partnership, Sunil Gavaskar extolled Rahul saying that the eased up the pressure on the Jaiswal. Gavaskar highlighted how Rahul’s solidity at the crease allowed Jaiswal to be more adventurous at the other end as the youngster flowered in his company.

Australia vs India 1st Test Day 2 Highlights

“I think what he’s done is he’s eased up the pressure on Yashasvi Jaiswal. When you have a partner at the other end, who is looking so secure like Rahul is doing, then the other partner who’s probably got more strokes, who is a little more adventurous can play his shots, and that’s what happened. So, Yashasvi Jaswal has actually flowered in his company,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.

Further speaking ahead, the legendary batter hailed both batters for their traditional Test match batting.

“You can say that because he’s seen the solidity of Rahul. Raul hasn’t missed out on the scoring opportunity when the ball has been pitched up. He’s driven it gloriously through the covers. There is this straight drive that he played of Pat Cummins as, well brrilliant. It’s been a very, very good innings. It’s been what you would call a proper five day test match innings,” he added.

India finish Day 2 in a commanding position

Rahul and Jaiswal were resolute in their approach as they saw off the new ball and exhibited extreme patience at the crease. The duo tired the Australian bowlers with their watchful approach sucking all the energy out of them. As the two batters played the Test match in a traditional manner showing caution with the new ball, India managed to negate the threat of the new ball and are now find themselves in a commanding position in the Test match.

Earlier, stand in skipper Jasprit Bumrah completed his five wicket haul adding one more wicket to his tally of four from the opening day as Australia were bundled out for 104 in the first innings. As a result, India took a 46-run lead in the first innings and built on it with a massive opening stand between Jaiswal (90*) and Rahul (62*).