In a high-risk match where the Indian top order collapsed under pressure, KL Rahul Emerged as a lone warrior by scoring a brilliant unbeaten 112 runs on 93 balls. That inning of his took India out of a critical situation in the second ODI. new zealandhas praised the former Indian fast bowler a lot zaheer khan.
Speaking on Cricbuzz, the legendary fast bowler described Rahul’s innings as one to be extremely ‘proud of’, highlighting the tactical maturity he displayed to take India to a competitive total of 284/7.
Zaheer Khan praised KL Rahul for taking the responsibility.
According to Zaheer, the identity of Rahul’s innings is not just the century, but the difficult situation in which it was compiled. With the top four batsmen returning to the pavilion early, the onus fell on Rahul to carry the innings forward against a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack.
“He would be very proud of this century. One of the top four had to score 100 runs after getting the start. It was not so, but KL Rahul handled the responsibility very well.” Zaheer said.
Zaheer emphasized that Rahul’s presence is the difference between defeat and victory. By staying till the end, Rahul ensured that India not only survived in the middle overs but also took the lead in the death overs.
Zaheer praised the important partnership between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja
The decisive phase of the match was the stabilization period. Zaheer pointed to the “cautious approach” adopted by Rahul Ravindra Jadeja During their important partnership. Both understood that losing one more wicket would quickly expose New Zealand’s fast bowlers.
“They had to bear the pressure, build their innings slowly… At that time both Rahul and Jadeja adopted a cautious approach.” Zaheer explained.
This partnership was important. By curbing his natural instincts, he weathered the storm, frustrated the opposition and created a platform that allowed Rahul to explode in the final ten overs.
See also: KL Rahul celebrates memorable Rajkot ODI century in a special way for his daughter
Impressive strike rate under fire
While the initial phase was about caution, the end was about precise striking. Zaheer was particularly impressed by Rahul’s strike rate of 121.74, saying that maintaining such pace while rebuilding an innings is a rare feat. He further analyzed the change in India’s target expectations.
“Given the pressure present in the position, the strike rate was very impressive. At the start of the innings, you were looking at 300, 300-plus, but getting to 280-plus is something that India were looking at as an ideal total to defend.” Added Zaheer.
Taking India to 284, Rahul ensured the bowlers had a total worth fighting for, and effectively turned what was looking like a certain defeat into a win. According to Zaheer’s assessment, this 112* would go down as one of Rahul’s finest ODI innings, characterized by composure, situational awareness and brilliant execution.