Cricket

‘Big fan of KL Rahul’: New Zealand pace great singles out India batter as player to watch out for

September 12, 2026

Former New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult has singled out Indian top-order batters KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal as the key figures to monitor during India's upcoming tour of New Zealand. The extensive 12-match, multi-format visit begins on October 22, highlighted by a two-match Test series starting November 19 where the visitors need a sweep to remain in the hunt for the World Test Championship final.

While stars like Jasprit Bumrah and Shubman Gill carry heavy attention, Boult expressed high admiration for the style and quality of both Rahul and Jaiswal. Speaking during a European T20 Premier League media interaction with PTI, Boult noted that holding the matches across late October and November rather than the customary February-March timeframe introduces chilly, post-winter weather.

He voiced hopes that surfaces might retain some grass to aid the home seam attack, which he praised for its versatility. Highlighting the speed of Will O'Rourke, the bounce and movement of Kyle Jamieson, the precision of Matt Henry, and the presence of Nathan Smith, Boult observed that this newer group possesses distinct assets to forge its own path following the era he shared with Tim Southee and Neil Wagner.