KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja showcased remarkable composure and resilience to lead India’s recovery in the fourth Test against England in Manchester. With a daunting 311-run deficit in the first innings, India found themselves in a precarious situation. However, the pair’s determined efforts allowed them to make a strong comeback, ultimately securing a hard-fought draw and keeping the series alive. Aakash Chopra, the former Indian opener, applauded their crucial roles, emphasising how they had been central to what had become a thrilling contest.

Chopra, speaking on his YouTube channel, commended Rahul for his composed and steadfast innings. He referred to Rahul’s knock of 90 runs off 230 balls as “monk-like” and expressed hope that his performance would be duly acknowledged.”At some stage, I really hope people begin to acknowledge the respect he deserves. He’s playing like a tapasvi, a true ascetic at the crease. Though he fell short of a century, he has been the pillar of India’s top order throughout this series,” Chopra remarked.

The retirement of Rohit Sharma from Test cricket before the series raised questions about India’s top-order stability. However, Rahul, together with the young and dynamic Yashasvi Jaiswal, filled the void seamlessly. Chopra admitted that he had been uncertain about India’s response in the absence of Rohit, particularly in the challenging English conditions.”We knew there would be times we’d miss Rohit, especially considering how brilliant he was here last time. But KL Rahul and Yashasvi have performed exceptionally well. They’ve been steady and confident, and that’s been crucial,” he added.

While Rahul provided the necessary foundation, Jadeja effectively nullified any hopes England had of securing a victory. His unbeaten knock of 107 from 185 balls was not merely a century but a testament to his maturity and a reaffirmation of his status as one of the game’s premier all-rounders. Jadeja, in partnership with Washington Sundar, who also remained unbeaten on a century, turned the match on its head with a stand of 203 runs on the final day, frustrating England’s bowlers and blunting their attack.

Looking back on the criticism he received for ranking Jadeja above Ben Stokes as the best Test all-rounder, Chopra said: “People really gave me a tough time for that decision, but the stats supported it. And once again, Jadeja has proven why he’s the real deal. Four fifties and now this century – it’s been an unforgettable series for him.” He also praised Jadeja’s drive for personal achievements under pressure. “He wasn’t just aiming for a draw; he was determined to get that hundred. And rightly so he earned every bit of it. When he walked in, England thought they had a chance, but he made sure that didn’t happen.”