ENG vs IND: Returning To Test Cricket As Makeshift Opener, Rahul Hits Patient 84

India's injury woes have turned into a blessing in disguise for KL Rahul, who cashed in on an opportunity to play his first Test in close to two years by scoring 84, at Trent Bridge against Englan

"He has batted with patience and control. There were mutiple rain breaks and he has shown mental fortitude," said Manjrekar on air.

Rahul had last played a Test in August-September, 2019 in the West Indies. He had failed to make impression in the opportunities given to him at the time. No wonder he was dropped after that tour of the West Indies.

Since then, India have tried Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw in the opening slot in the few series they played at home and one each in New Zealand and Australia.

Even as he toured with the team to Australia, he was never drafted in the playing XI. On the ongoing tour of England, Rahul had scored 101 against County Select XI in a warm-up last month while playing at No. 5 and wicketkeeper-batsman.

Although, on Friday, he couldn't go on to complete what would have been sixth Test hundred in his 37th Test, it surely has made him a strong contender to open the innings for remainder of the series.