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"Playing Like A Tapasvi": Aakash Chopra Hails KL Rahul, Jadeja's Grit In Manchester Test

Soumyajit Dutta

Aakash Chopra Praises KL Rahul and Jadeja [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com]Aakash Chopra Praises KL Rahul and Jadeja [Source: @sujeetsuman1991/X.com]

KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja forged an unforgettable rearguard action to salvage a dramatic draw for India at Old Trafford, defying England's push for victory after conceding a mammoth 311-run first-innings deficit. Facing immense pressure, Rahul's stoic 90 anchored the top order before Jadeja's unbeaten 107 shut the door firmly on England over the final two days.

Former opener Aakash Chopra singled out the duo's resilience as the cornerstone of India's fightback, reserving special praise for Rahul's understated brilliance.

Chopra's "Monk-Like" Praise for Rahul

Chopra lauded Rahul's unwavering discipline, framing his innings as a masterclass in patience vital for overseas success.

"At some point, I hope people start giving him the respect he deserves. He's playing like a tapasvi, a true ascetic at the crease. He may have missed his century, but he's been the backbone of India's top order this series," Chopra stated on his YouTube channel.

In another video, Aakash Chopra also addressed pre-series concerns about replacing the retired Rohit Sharma.

"We expected to miss Rohit at some point, given how good he was last time here. But KL and Yashasvi have done incredibly well. They've been solid and confident, and that's been vital," Chopra added.

Chopra Hails Jadeja's All-Rounder Redemption

While Rahul provided the foundation, Chopra emphasised Jadeja's match-saving century as a testament to his world-class all-round credentials, silencing past critics.

"People gave me a hard time for that call [ranking Jadeja over Stokes], but the numbers backed it. And now again, Jadeja's shown why he's the real deal. Four fifties and now this hundred - it's been a series to remember for him," Chopra asserted, referencing his past stance.

He particularly admired Jadeja's focus on his personal milestone amidst the team's battle for survival. 

"He wasn't looking for a draw, he wanted that hundred. And rightly so. He earned every bit of it. England thought they could win when he came in, but he didn't allow that to happen," Chopra concluded.

The Partnership That Broke England

For context, England seized control after India's first innings of 358, piling up a commanding 669 thanks to centuries from Joe Root and Ben Stokes. India's second innings began shakily at 0/2, but a crucial partnership between KL Rahul and Shubman Gill steadied the ship.

Following their dismissals, Jadeja and Sundar then produced an immovable 203-run stand, batting through the entirety of the final day under intense pressure, ending the match in a draw.