‘How opinions change’: Mohammad Kaif defends KL Rahul after Ahmedabad century vs West Indies

Divy Dubey

•
‘How opinions change’: Mohammad Kaif defends KL Rahul after Ahmedabad century vs West Indies image

(getty)

India tightened their grip on the opening Test in Ahmedabad as three batters reached centuries on Day 2. KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel and Ravindra Jadeja all made the West Indies toil as the hosts stretched their lead well past 250.

For Rahul, it was a special return to form at home - marking his first Test hundred in India since 2016. His composed 100 came off 197 balls - a knock that not only strengthened India's position but also silenced plenty of doubts that have followed him in recent years.

Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source

KL Rahul's century vs West Indies puts critics in perspective

Rahul resumed the day on 53* and worked his way to three figures with 12 boundaries before getting dismissed to Jomel Warrican. The innings was another reminder of the consistency he has shown this year after strong performances in the five-match series in England earlier in the summer.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif took to social media to underline how drastically the perception around Rahul has shifted. He added that Rahul's turnaround comes down to his belief in his own game and his willingness to put in the hard yards.

More: 'Darren Sammy is the sole WI selector' – Gavaskar, Ganga and Dinesh Karthik discuss West Indies selection flaws after Anderson Phillips benching

According to him, those qualities have helped the opener respond to criticism and deliver when India needed him most.

"How opinions change after scoring in few innings.. Now his critics say there is no one like him. Remember: KL Rahul strength is his belief and hard work. That's what makes him rise after every fall and perform despite the pressure," Kaif posted.

More: Pakistan commentator Sana Mir justifies 'Kashmir' remark on Natalia Pervaiz during Women's World Cup 2025

With India finishing Day 2 at 448 for 5 and leading by 286 runs, Rahul's century has set the tone for a commanding result in Ahmedabad.

Related links:

Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.