Despite a four-month break and a rain delay, KL Rahul’s batting against Pakistan showed no signs of rustiness. Shreyas Iyer’s back spasm just before the toss opened the door for Rahul’s stellar performance. Teaming up with Virat Kohli, Rahul displayed exceptional running between the wickets, improving his fitness.
Even as Virat Kohli achieves milestone after milestone, KL Rahul made a remarkable return to the Indian playing XI. After an international hiatus since March 2023 and a competitive break of four months, Rahul scored a brilliant unbeaten 111, marking his sixth ODI century while batting at No. 4.
Despite undergoing surgery for a thigh injury in May and passing his match fitness test, Rahul’s seamless performance suggested he hadn’t missed any matches. The four-month break and rain delay didn’t affect his batting. Rahul wasn’t initially slated to play this match but seized the opportunity when Shreyas Iyer suffered a back spasm before the toss. In a partnership with Kohli, he ran well between the wickets, enhancing his fitness.
During their unbroken 233-run partnership, they ran 119 runs between the wickets. Rahul’s selection for the Asia Cup and World Cup sparked debate, but the selectors designated him as the first-choice wicketkeeper for the World Cup. He was included without domestic matches, relying on practice matches during rehabilitation. A niggle delayed his return during the Asia Cup group stage.
Here are some Twitter Reactions after Rahul’s Knock:
Outstanding 100’s from KL Rahul and Virat Kohli. Both Made batting looking so soothing and pleasing.
— Venkatesh Prasad (@venkateshprasad) September 11, 2023
And 356 is a huge score, India’s joint highest against Pakistan , equalling the one they scored in the “Arrival of Dhoni” innings at Vizag . pic.twitter.com/HaPQCkhfha
INDIA DOMINATES PAKISTAN BOTH BY BAT AND BALL.
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) September 11, 2023
Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav – The stars of today 🇮🇳❤️ pic.twitter.com/7qo2St9Lcg
Fifty for Rohit Sharma.
— ♔ (@balltamperrerr) September 11, 2023
Fifty for Shubman Gill.
Hundred for Virat Kohli.
Hundred for KL Rahul.
5 fer for Kuldeep
Great bowling from Boom, HP, Shardul
The domination by Indian against Pakistan 😂🔥#IndiaVsPakistan #AsiaCup2023 #INDvPAK #BHAvsPAK
pic.twitter.com/sogbleKmzi
Amazing Bharat. That’s the way to do it.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 11, 2023
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were unstoppable. Congratulations to Virat for 13000 ODI runs. #BHAvsPAK pic.twitter.com/w53XKjHfgJ
Welcome back, KL Rahul 🔥#AsiaCup2023 | #PAKvIND | https://t.co/qQxbB3eqQW pic.twitter.com/6Qna6uhARr
— ICC (@ICC) September 11, 2023
Sunil shetty with all KL rahul trollers right now. #KLRahul #INDvsPAKpic.twitter.com/VgXBtBLB2Z
— Prayag (@theprayagtiwari) September 11, 2023
If you're a true devotee of Mahakal, you'll get success for sure, no matter if you're Kohli or Rahul #INDvPAK #KLRahul #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/DppvIKHbya
— Narendra Jat (@Gaon_Wala_Memer) September 11, 2023
India defeated Pakistan by 228 runs !!
— Nisha (@NishaRo45_) September 11, 2023
• Dominating batting from Rohit Sharma and Gill
• Good partnership between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli
• And then Amazing captaincy from captain Rohit Sharma and fiery spell from Kuldeep Yadav 🔥 #INDvPAK . pic.twitter.com/7qHAymknDa
Agha Salman bleeding after the ball hit near his eyes.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 11, 2023
Great from KL Rahul to instantly check on him! pic.twitter.com/SDwbjMTJ92
Ishan Kishan’s performance as a wicketkeeper-batsman raised questions about the wicketkeeper position. Iyer’s misfortune turned into an opportunity as both Kishan and Rahul played in the XI. Rahul’s sensational comeback and Kishan’s form make the selection, particularly for the No. 4 spot, intriguing when Iyer is fit.
Former India coach Anshuman Gaekwad viewed Rahul’s chance as a “blessing in disguise.” Gaekwad praised Rahul’s confident batting and saw no issues with his wicketkeeping, making it a promising sign for India’s World Cup prospects.
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