KL Rahul Team India's Backbone, Ravindra Jadeja a 'Modern-Day Kapil Dev': Chetan Sharma Exclusive

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New Delhi, Aug 1: Former India pacer and ex-chairman of selectors praised the resilience of India’s batting mainstays Shubman Gill, KL Rahul and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, lauding their performances in what has turned into a nail-biting Test series against England.

Sharma, who was the first Indian bowler to pick up an ODI hat-trick, spoke candidly with myKhel on the sidelines of the Champions League T10 (CLT10) players' auction in the national capital.

A Series of Runs, but Not Without Challenge

The ongoing five-match Test series between India and England has already seen over 3,300 runs piled, prompting discussions about batting-friendly wickets and bowlers' graveyard. But Sharma, with his vast experience as a bowler in English conditions, claimed that the pitches aren't as benign as they may seem.

“In England, the ball always moves - in the air and off the surface. Overcast conditions make things even tougher. So if batters are scoring runs there, they deserve immense credit,” Sharma noted. “We saw the ball moving on Day 5 too, but wickets didn’t fall because players like KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Rishabh Pant and Washington Sundar applied themselves well.”

KL Rahul: Stability, Patience, and Class

Sharma, who has played 23 Tests and 65 ODIs for India, was particularly effusive in his praise for KL Rahul’s composure at the top of the order. He called Rahul “a dream opener” who gives confidence to the entire batting unit through his sheer presence at the crease.

“KL gives you stability, even if he scores 40 or 50, the time he spends at the crease is invaluable. He allows the middle order to come in with less pressure,” stated Sharma - who was also the chairman of selectors - a few years back. “Sometimes I wonder where I would bowl to him if I were playing today. He makes batting look so easy.”

Jadeja: India’s Silent Pillar

Asked about Ravindra Jadeja’s contribution, Sharma - who picked up 61 Test wickets and 67 ODI wickets - didn’t mince words: “Jadeja is one of my favourite cricketers. He doesn’t get the recognition he truly deserves in Indian cricket.”

Calling the left-hander “a complete package,” Sharma added, “Whether it’s batting, bowling, or fielding - he gives 100%. He reminds me of Kapil Dev in many ways. He’s not just the No. 1 all-rounder in the world for no reason. When he’s at the crease, you know one end is safe.”

Bumrah's Workload Management is Key

On the issue of Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and his decision to play only three Tests in the series, Sharma backed the management’s and medical team’s strategy.

“If our medical team says he shouldn’t play more than three Tests, then we must trust them. Fast bowlers like Bumrah are assets. It’s better to keep him fit than to overuse him and risk injury. We need Bumrah for the long haul,” Sharma said.

CLT10: A Platform for Untapped Talent

Sharma, who is now the Commissioner of Champions League T10, expressed excitement over the rise of tennis ball cricket and how the format is helping identify grassroots talent across India.

“This is cricket in its rawest form. Tennis ball cricket is extremely tough — I don’t think even I would get selected today,” he laughed. “But what excites me is seeing youngsters from all backgrounds taking up sports, whether it’s cricket, football, or hockey. This league gives those players who haven’t had access to hard-ball cricket a platform to shine.”

The CLT10 auction in New Delhi witnessed the presence of several celebrities from sports, film, and music, underlining the event’s growing stature. “Everyone is here for a good cause. The more we promote sports, the better the future of our youth,” Sharma concluded.