IND vs NZ 2026: 'With the talent he's had, he's been a bit of an underachiever' - Ex-Indian captain's stunning remark after KL Rahul's epic Rajkot ton

Sunil Gavaskar praised KL Rahul after he scored his eighth ODI century on Wednesday. New Zealand were on the receiving end of Rahul's batting masterclass at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot in the second ODI. However, the former India captain opined that the Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter has been an 'underachiever'.

Rahul blew hot and cold during the initial years of his international career. However, in the last few years, he has been an indispensable member of the Indian team, especially in ODI cricket. The fact that he has taken up the wicketkeeper's role in the 50-over format gives India the flexibility to play an extra bowler. Since 2020, he has averaged over 50 in ODIs in every year except 2022 and 2024.

On Wednesday, on a tricky surface, most of the Indian batters struggled to even rotate strike consistently. However, Rahul got accustomed in no time and took the attack to the bowlers. He not only anchored the innings but also finished with an exemplary strike rate of 121.74, after scoring 112* off 92 deliveries.

Gavaskar believes that Rahul has always had the talent, but now he is consistently getting the results because he has more confidence in his abilities.

"Look, I've always thought that maybe, and I could be wrong, with all the talent that he's had, he's probably been a little bit of an underachiever," Gavaskar said during the mid-innings show at Star Sports Network.

"But now I think he's coming to that, you know, space as maybe Doulie (Simom Doull) is saying, when he now, you know, has that much more confidence in himself. And therefore he's now showing them, showing the range of shots, showing the temperament," he added.

The cricketer-turned-commentator also mentioned that Rahul bats with a lot of elegance, something which is very pleasing to the eyes of the onlookers.

"It is a delight to watch him, and he's got the elegance as well. I mean, when somebody's got the elegance when he plays the shots, that is that adds just to the visual pleasure," Gavaskar stated.

Despite Rahul's heroics, India ended up losing the match by seven wickets as the Kiwis chased down a 285-run target with 15 balls to spare. The three-match series is now tied at 1-1, with the final encounter set to be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Sunday, January 18.