Chennai: KL Rahul became only the second Indian to get out on 199 in Test cricket. The Indian opener, who brought up his fourth Test ton on Sunday, was on the verge of registering his first ever double century in the longer format of the game.
However, a generously tossed-up delivery from Adil Rashid led to Rahul’s dismissal after he could not resist the temptation to hit it out of his sight and ended up giving an easy catch to Jos Buttler during the second day's play in the fifth Test between India versus England in Chennai.
Mohammad Azharuddin was the first Indian to get out on 199 and he, being there and done that, said that Rahul won’t be able to sleep for a couple of days.
“He wouldn't be able to sleep on Sunday, or a few more days. I was comforted by Kapil Dev and other teammates and I'm sure Virat Kohli and other senior players would have done everything possible to console Rahul, but I know how it feels,” Azhar told Mumbai Mirror.
“No amount of consolation will work. You have to deal with it on your own. In my case, I could not sleep for days. My dismissal was playing in front of my eyes,” added the former Indian skipper.
Azhar reached his career-best score in Test against Sri Lanka in December 1986 before getting out on 199.
“I remember it like yesterday and I'm still gutted. The ball from Ravi Ratnayake had kept low and it would have hit the middle stump. The best thing for Rahul would be to forget about the dismissal but that is easier said than done,” Azhar said.
The stylish batsman from Hyderabad had words of encouragement for the Karnataka batsman.
“Rahul is a very skilful batsman who attacks the bowling. I personally prefer attacking batsmen. It is very good to say 'occupy the crease' but you still have to score runs and Rahul does that in an attacking way. It is rare for an opening batsman to be so attacking. I can't think of anyone in international cricket other than David Warner at this stage. Another day, and he might go beyond 199,” Azhar said.
