Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul scored a spectacular century in the second One-Day International match against New Zealand on January 14 at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, which was hailed by former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan. With his eighth ODI century, Rahul helped India out of a tight spot and led the side to a respectable score.
After Virat Kohli was removed shortly after he arrived, Rahul took up the responsibility of batting at No. 5 while the hosts were under siege. After establishing a vital 73-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja and absorbing the pressure, the Karnataka batsman steadied the innings before progressively raising the scoring rate.
India scored 284/7 in their allocated 50 overs while KL Rahul stayed undefeated on 112 off 92 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six.
Zaheer emphasised how KL Rahul produced a mature, game-changing innings after India’s top-order hitters failed to convert their starts.
“This hundred will make him very proud. It wasn’t necessary for one of the top four players to get 100 after starting, but KL Rahul handled the pressure admirably, absorbing it at that point and strengthening his relationship with Ravindra Jadeja,” Zaheer stated on Cricbuzz.
“Considering the strain that existed in the situation, that strike rate was really amazing. At that point, Rahul and Jadeja both adopted a cautious stance, and he had to take pressure and develop his innings gradually. “You were looking at 300, 300-plus at the beginning of the innings, but India was looking at 280-plus as an ideal total to defend,” he continued.
Shubman Gill was performing under the following circumstances: Zaheer
After withstanding a difficult spell from the New Zealand pacers, Indian captain Shubman Gill also made a significant contribution with a strong half-century. Before Kyle Jamieson removed him in the 17th over, he had scored 56 from 53 balls. Zaheer believed that Gill was playing in accordance with the circumstances and the demands of the game rather than batting purely to increase his strike rate.
“Both batters were careful with the new ball, absorbed the strain at that point, and recovered it nicely. Shubman was merely taking advantage of the circumstances today. “When you look at ODIs, it’s about converting, and the strike rate follows,” Zaheer stated. “In T20s, the strike rate should be closely examined.”
“Gill’s innings is supported by his prior innings and his confidence, but he didn’t think about it when he started (strike rate).” Because he wouldn’t have been willing to take as many chances if he had been considering it,” he said.
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