West Indies batting legend Brian Lara says Kings XI captain KL Rahul is his favourite player to watch.
The India batsman, who is due to lead KXIP in the IPL 2020, has been singled out for praise for his technique and spirit at the crease.
Lara still keeps tabs on the world game after 13 years of retirement and has enjoyed what he has seen from Rahul. He also thinks it is time for the batsman to cement his place in India’s Test team.
Around the world, there are so many amazing batsmen to look at. There are Steve Smith, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. My favourite is KL Rahul,” said Lara speaking to Sportstar.
“He’s just class. I mean, when you are watching a player, you want to see him play, you want to see great technique, a good aggressive spirit as well.
“He is a great entertainer, he’s a great person to watch. It is as simple as that. He’s no better batsman than Virat Kohli. Virat is the best batsman in the world, but it’s just the preference of who I like to see bat. No disrespect to anybody else.”
Rahul should be Test regular
Rahul wasn’t part of India’s Test squad to go to New Zealand but Lara believes he has what it takes to be a regular for his country in all forms of the game.
He added: “I am not involved in Indian cricket. I just know that with his technique and the way I see him bat, he should not have a problem being in any team.
“So I don’t know if it’s the lack of scores or whatever the case may be, that might be his problem, which he has to work out. I don’t think anybody should be given too much of a chance because they look good. He’s got the ability to play all forms of the game and to secure his place.
“He should be one of the first names after Virat Kohli in any Indian team. And he’s in charge of that, not the selectors, not any favours or anything. He’s in charge of his own destiny.”