KL Rahul, the wicketkeeper-batter for Team India, highlighted the physical demands of playing three consecutive days against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Fours of the 2023 Asia Cup. India completed half of their batting innings on the originally scheduled match day against Pakistan (September 10) before rain interrupted the game, leading to its completion on the following day (September 11).
Subsequently, India secured a resounding 228-run victory over Pakistan on the reserve day and then played their third consecutive match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 12. Speaking to Star Sports after the match against Sri Lanka, Rahul expressed satisfaction with his performance under challenging conditions.
“It was amazing throughout. It was a physical challenge for us. The conditions were not ideal. it tested us a lot and I think I was happy to see the intensity of all of us. Obviously happy to contribute to the team. Wanted to give partnerships for the team. I was out for 4-5 months so will take it whatever it comes,” said Rahul.
Even after registering a superb century without losing his wicket against Pakistan, the 31-year-old displayed no indications of weariness as he provided another crucial contribution of 39 runs on a challenging pitch against Sri Lanka. Alongside his exceptional batting, KL Rahul also took on the role of the wicketkeeper in both matches as India triumphed over Sri Lanka by a margin of 41 runs, securing their spot as the inaugural team to reach the Asia Cup final.
“We were 30 runs short I felt” – KL Rahul
Despite the victory, KL Rahul believed that India’s batting performance fell slightly short in their match against Sri Lanka on a turning pitch at Colombo’s Premadasa Stadium. After a rapid 80-run partnership between openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India experienced a swift decline, finding themselves at 91/3 in the 16th over.
Rahul and Ishan Kishan then contributed a crucial 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket before a subsequent batting collapse resulted in India being dismissed for 213.
“Me and Ishan had a good partnership and Rohit and Shubman started it. We were 30 runs short I felt. It’s been good. Playing for three days in a row was tough and glad we passed the test,” said Rahul.
The wicketkeeper-batsman commended left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his outstanding performance with the ball in two consecutive matches.
“Kuldeep has been good and my job from behind the stumps was simple. Just to keep at it and guide him. We build trust as a team and enjoy playing with each other. We are happy to get the win in the end,” concluded KL Rahul.
After securing a five-wicket haul against Pakistan, Kuldeep Yadav added another impressive performance by taking 4/43 in the match against Sri Lanka, maintaining his exceptional form in white-ball cricket this year. The 28-year-old has now accumulated 31 wickets in 15 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 15.48 and an economy rate of just over 4.5 runs per over.
With this victory, Team India has already secured a spot in the final of the Super Four stage, rendering their upcoming match against Bangladesh on Friday (September 15) inconsequential.
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