"Shut the mouth of all critics" - Fans hail KL Rahul for valiant 139-ball 84 in 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test

Veteran Indian batter KL Rahul continued his excellent form with a hard-fought 84 off 139 deliveries in the third Test against Australia in Brisbane. The 32-year-old looked in terrific touch throughout his innings before a Steve Smith blinder cut short his march towards a ninth Test century.

After conceding a massive 445 to Australia in their first essay, India slipped to 51/4 at stumps on Day 3. Yet, Rahul hung tough unbeaten overnight on 33*, and added another 51 on the crucial morning session of Day 4 before being dismissed.

It was his second half-century in five innings in the ongoing Australian tour, taking his overall tally to 231 runs at an average of 46.20.

Fans on Twitter hailed Rahul for his gutsy knock with the following reactions:

Fans were not done hailing Rahul for his incredible knock with one saying:

"Well played, KL Rahul! Shut the mouths of all critics!!!"

"KL Rahul showing his class in this BGT! Scores of 26, 77, 37, 7, and 84. When it comes to overseas challenges, you can count on Rahul to step up!," tweeted a fan.

"An exceptional knock of 84 runs off 139 deliveries, adorned with 8 boundaries. A true champion’s innings, standing tall as the lone warrior for India. While he deserved a well-earned century,Rahul once again proved why he is India's Mr. Dependable," a fan said.

Team India in trouble despite KL Rahul's heroics

While KL Rahul battled away at one end, his teammates succumbed to the pressure of the scoreboard and a well-oiled Aussie bowling attack. With rain playing spoilsport on Days 1 and 3, India's primary target was to score 246 and avoid the follow-on.

Yet, the other four top-order batters except Rahul were all dismissed for single-figure scores, reducing India to 44/4. Things only got worse early on Day 4 when skipper Rohit Sharma departed for 10, leaving the visitors 74/5.

Rahul finally found some support from Ravindra Jadeja as the duo added a valuable 67 for the sixth wicket before the former's departure. Fortunately for India, Jadeja has strung another useful unbeaten stand of 26 with the in-form Nitish Kumar Reddy to take them to 167/6 at Lunch on Day 4.

They still trail Australia's total by 278 runs and require another 79 to avoid the follow-on. The Brisbane Test holds much importance to the five-match series that is currently tied at 1-1.