Top News

'Had he batted higher..': Steyn's massive praise for KL Rahul
05 Dec 2025

South African cricket legend Dale Steyn has praised Indian batsman KL Rahul for his recent performances in ODIs.

Rahul, who has been batting lower down the order, scored two fifties in the ongoing series against South Africa.

His performances have not only stabilized India's middle-order but also caught Steyn's attention.

The former pacer even called Rahul a "hundred machine forced to finish."

Steyn highlights Rahul's ability to accelerate in death overs
Acceleration expert

Rahul, who usually bats at No. 5 or 6, scored a half-century in Ranchi and followed it with a blistering 66 off 43 balls in Raipur.

Despite India's loss in the second ODI after South Africa's record chase, Steyn lauded Rahul for his innings.

He praised Rahul's mastery of acceleration during death overs despite facing fewer balls to face.

Steyn believes Rahul's adaptability is invaluable for India
Adaptability

Steyn also emphasized Rahul's game awareness during tense middle-overs phases.

"A good, handy knock set by the skipper, KL, and he led his team well in the first one. In the second game too, he knew exactly when to go slow and when to explode," Steyn said on Star Sports.

The former pacer also claimed that if Rahul batted higher up the order, he would have scored many more centuries.

Rahul's role within the team is priceless advantage for India
Team player

Steyn called Rahul's adaptability a priceless advantage for India.

He said, "He just knows how to do it. If he batted 3 or opened, I'm pretty certain he would go on to get hundreds. But those positions are for other players, and he knows what his role is within this team."

Despite his heroics, India's 358/5 wasn't enough to prevent South Africa's spectacular four-wicket win in the second ODI.