The other Rahul checks into test squad

Apart from sharing the first name with his illustrious senior from Karnataka, the 22-year-old KL Rahul has people talking about other similarities with the former India captain Dravid. Especially those concerning his work ethics and hard work.

Following an immensely successful 2013-14 domestic first-class season in which he amassed 1,158 runs at an average of 52.63 with three centuries and four half-centuries, and played a key role in Karnataka winning the Ranji Trophy, it was a matter of time before he was picked up for the Test squad.

On Monday, the day Rahul earned his maiden India selection after being named as the third opener for the Test leg of the Australia tour, he scored 67 for Karnataka against Tamil Nadu in the south zone limited-overs tournament in Secunderabad.

Only recently, he scored a century in each innings of the Duleep Trophy final for South Zone against Central, though it came in a losing cause. But his efforts have not gone unnoticed. He replaces Gautam Gambhir from the Test squad that toured England earlier this year.

Karnataka batting coach J Arun Kumar, who has seen the rise of Rahul, described the youngster as "a very very dedicated fellow".

"KL's cricket ethics are brilliant. If he pads up for nets session, he doesn't remove them for 2-1/2 to 3 hours. He likes batting long. He is always padded up. Once he finishes with his nets, he goes to the bowling machine, takes throw-downs. Even on a free day, he is seen batting. He is that kind of a dedicated guy. It reminds me of Rahul Dravid's work ethics.

"He faces bowling machines. Pace should not be a problem. It is a matter of getting used to the conditions in Australia. He will start working (for Australia) straightaway. He stands ahead in the nets to adjust the length and make it more competitive."

Rahul made his first-class debut in 2010-11 just before emerging out of his teens. Though he played only three matches that season and with little success, he was part of the state squad for the whole of 2011-12, but in the reserves, before becoming a regular in the playing XI from 2012-13.

Kumar said: "He is bound to (play for India). He is mentally strong. He made a comeback (to Karnataka XI) when I took up the coaching assignment. He was batting really well and I said, 'why not make him as a regular opener. He has been batting well and it was time to step up. You go with somebody who is technically sound to open with Robin (Uthappa).

"He can hold his end up while Robin can play his strokes. He started doing very well and I was impressed with his attitude. As has been the case, the cricket culture is very good in Karnataka. Everyone bats really long in the nets. KL is one of the best. He does not throw his wicket. He is mature for his age."

Apart from the mental toughness, Rahul has the belief that he'd excel in international cricket. Kumar said: "He knows he has to play for the country. He has the belief that he will do well. This quality is very important. A lot of people don't have that self belief to do well at the higher level. Rahul has it.

"He and Robin have been room-mates and they talk a lot. Captain R Vinay Kumar tells the team that it's not difficult to play for the country and they believe so too."

Kumar said that the right-handed batsman was ready for India soon after scoring 1,000-odd runs last season. "But it is better late than never. He is ready for Tests and if he gets a chance, he will grab it," the coach said.

Kumar did not want to compare the two Rahuls. He said it was unfair. "They have different batting techniques," he said.

Though the parallels will be drawn, Rahul will be better off left alone rather than being compared to one of the greatest of all times.