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Asia Cup 2023: KL Rahul’s Stunning Century Alters India’s Cricket Landscape

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:

https://twitter.com/balltamperrerr/status/1701286952836931813?t=SAJT81EMCJf5RC1j6h34cg&s=19

https://twitter.com/Gaon_Wala_Memer/status/1701222456374313450?t=tDsKV8mK8MqE8Iqs-0yI_g&s=19

 

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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