Star India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul made a blistering comeback in international cricket. He scored a brilliant century against Pakistan in a high-pressure game of the Asia Cup 2023. With this performance, Rahul once again triggered the debate over who is the first-choice wicketkeeper and batter in the Indian team.
However, speaking after the game, Rahul revealed that he didn’t know that team management would play him in the high-voltage game. Rahul revealed that he got to know about his participation just five minutes before the toss. “Five minutes before the toss, Rahul bhai told me you might have to play because Shreyas [Iyer] has a back spasm,” Rahul told the official broadcasters.
“At the last minute, our manager had to run to the hotel to get my stuff. Strange things have happened in my career. This isn’t the first time. It happened earlier too. Mentally, I guess I know what to do when I’m thrown into the ring: I give my best. I’m happy such performances happen [when he’s been faced with such situations]. Maybe it’s also a sign that I don’t have to think too much. I can just go out there and enjoy my cricket. That’s the learning for me”, he further added.
Rohit Sharma praised Virat Kohli and KL Rahul
Earlier, India captain Rohit Sharma also praised KL Rahul for his last-minute participation. He also praised Virat Kohli and Rahul for their batting performances. He said, “Virat’s innings were brilliantly paced. And then KL took the last minute to get back from injury and play five minutes before the toss. We told him to get ready. Shows the mindset of the player. Looking at how we batted, there were lots of positives with the openers and then Virat and KL.
It’s worth noting that India will face defending champions Sri Lanka on Tuesday at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In less than 24 hours, India had to play two back-to-back one-day internationals because of rain interruptions. Notably, rain might also affect the India vs. Sri Lanka clash, as there are high chances of moderate to heavy rainfall in Colombo.
Here is how fans reacted to KL Rahul’s surprise comeback:
To kiske bat se khela bhai?
— Rushabh? (@sidelowerGuy) September 12, 2023
— Naks..! (@oyenakss) September 12, 2023
KLR ne pakistani bowlers ko pani pila diya.#INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/GFZT4d2JFk
— Abhinav singh (@Abhinav_tmk) September 12, 2023
He would not have played had Shreyas Iyer been fit. India’s team management got lucky. KL has been excellent in the middle order in ODIs in recent years, and should be a starter when fit.
— CricBlog ? (@cric_blog) September 12, 2023
With this casual attitude he’s 2 knocks
110 vs West Indies in USA
And
111 vs Pakistan in SL
— Mr. J (@imjivesh) September 12, 2023
Dude you bring your luck that’s enough
— Supriya (@Supriya_pro) September 12, 2023
— Amazing_Aso (@GAUTAM99930) September 12, 2023
? Kiske Bat se khele bhai
— Amazing_Aso (@GAUTAM99930) September 12, 2023
Kut diya gya pic.twitter.com/VLXLyaklcx
— Amazing_Aso (@GAUTAM99930) September 12, 2023
Shreyas iyer: pic.twitter.com/tAoun6Tf5v
— Sindhi Chhokro (@Piyush_seerwani) September 12, 2023
