Mumbai: As the third day of the opening Test between India and England wrapped up, the focus firmly shifted to standout performers KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. On Match Centre Live, JioHotstar experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Nick Knight offered detailed insights into the action, applauding Rahul’s technical mastery and Bumrah’s rapid march towards legendary status.
KL Rahul – ‘Perfection in Motion’
Sanjay Manjrekar described KL Rahul’s innings as “very close to perfection,” lauding his poise and precision.
“He didn’t put a foot wrong. Some of those cover drives were absolute gems — 10 out of 10. Rahul’s rhythm is excellent, and he’s handling the pressure with maturity,” said Manjrekar.
Nick Knight echoed the admiration, calling Rahul’s game “tailor-made for English conditions.”
“His front foot movement, balance, and ability to counter lateral movement make him a joy to watch. England tried a fuller length, but Rahul’s control was impeccable.”
Stokes Outsmarts Sudharsan with Tactical Brilliance
Knight also dissected Ben Stokes’ sharp tactics to dismiss debutant Sai Sudharsan:
“What Stokes did was elite Test cricket strategy. He noticed a subtle vulnerability and planned around it — changing angles, going around the wicket, and setting the perfect field. It paid off instantly.”
Sudharsan, who has shown promise, was praised for his classic technique but was undone by an intelligent setup.
Jasprit Bumrah – India’s Bowling Beacon
Manjrekar reserved his highest praise for Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a “once-in-a-generation talent.”
“He’s in fast-forward mode when it comes to greatness. The five-wicket hauls in England, his strike rate, his impact — all at under 50 Tests — it’s just remarkable. If he stays fit and reaches 100 Tests, we’ll be talking about one of the greatest fast bowling careers in Indian cricket.”
He further added that while India has seen legends like Kapil Dev and Zaheer Khan, Bumrah’s uniqueness sets him apart.
“Purely on skill and match-winning impact, Bumrah is right at the top.”
India’s Position: In Command, But Not Comfortable
India’s first innings total of 471 has put them in a strong position, but Manjrekar warned against complacency.
“Even if India score 325 in the second innings, England could still chase 350 — they have the mindset to do it. But India has Bumrah. And if the pitch turns, Jadeja comes into play too.”
As the match heads into its final stages, all signs point to a thrilling finish. With Jasprit Bumrah leading the charge and Rahul setting the tone, India have the tools — and temperament — to push for a memorable Test win.
