Tue Dec 17 08:53:07 UTC 2024: ## Pujara Praises Rahul’s Defensive Masterclass in Gabba Test
**Brisbane, Australia** – Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara heaped praise on KL Rahul’s disciplined batting performance in the third Test against Australia at the Gabba. Rahul’s 84-run knock, his second half-century of the series, was instrumental in India’s improved position. Pujara highlighted Rahul’s exceptional defensive technique, specifically his “art of leaving” the ball and his controlled approach.
“Whenever he’s defending or leaving, he’s in a very good position,” Pujara stated on Star Sports. He emphasized Rahul’s awareness of his off-stump and his ability to let the ball come to the bat, avoiding the tendency to reach out. Pujara contrasted this with other batsmen’s dismissals, attributing them to reaching for the ball. He lauded Rahul’s balanced stance, off-stump protection, and the controlled way he left balls outside the off-stump.
Pujara also credited the crucial 67-run partnership between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja for bolstering India’s position in the innings. He noted that Rahul’s innings demonstrated that runs could be scored on the Gabba pitch with patience and application, dispelling notions of it being an unplayable surface. He concluded by praising Jadeja’s contribution, highlighting his selection as a specialist batter and the justification for that decision.
First Piper 