'He has more ability than Rohit, Kohli' - Gautam Gambhir lauds KL Rahul after match-winning knock against CSK

There has been a lot of talk surrounding the way in which KL Rahul bats for Punjab Kings. His low strike rate has been reasoned with the weaker middle order and trying to take the game deep. But, in the last game of the season, Rahul showed what he is really capable of by scoring 98 runs from just 42 balls. 

His knock came in at a time of need for his side. Punjab had to chase down the target of 135 runs set by Chennai Super Kings in 14 overs to manage a run rate better than Mumbai Indians and still have a shot at qualification. They chase the total in 13 overs, courtesy of a terrific knock by the skipper. He played shots all around the ground and impressed everyone, including Gautam Gambhir. 

The former Indian batter commented on the whole Rahul’s strike rate and batting approach debate. The IPL-winning skipper was of the opinion that Rahul should have batted in a similar style right through the tournament. He expressed that this is one area where he feels that Punjab missed a trick. 

Had he played like this, Punjab Kings would’ve qualified by now: Gautam Gambhir

While praising Rahul, Gambhir made a comparison with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. “If you can bat like this, why don’t you bat like this? If he can bat like this, he probably has more ability than Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. I am not saying it just because I have seen KL Rahul doing it today, he just has it. He has got more shots than anyone else in India. And he showed that again,” Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo. 

He further urged Rahul to go in his natural free-flowing style. He noted that there are some questions which the Punjab Kings management should be asked. 

‘Just go play man. Let the world cherish, not only India. Show this world your ability. When people talk about Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, they will probably talk about you. Because you have got many more shots compared to anyone else in India. Had he played like this, Punjab Kings would’ve qualified by now. It is probably the pressure of captaincy, I don’t know what it is, but the team management can answer,” Gambhir added.