Rajkot was treated to a masterclass by KL Rahul on Friday as India beat Australia by 36 runs in the second One-Day International on Friday to level the three-match series. The Karnataka opener smashed 80 off 52 deliveries after coming to bat in at unexpected No 5 position as his match-winning knock propelled India to 340 for six before the hosts bowled out Australia for 304.
In the first ODI, Rahul came in to bat at number three in place of his Virat Kohli, scoring 47 off 61 balls. But in Rajkot not only did he star with the bat but was also impressive behind the stumps in Rishabh Pant’s absence, claiming three dismissals.
Even in the post-match presentation ceremony, India captain Kohli was in awe of Rahul’s innings, terming it as the best knock he played at the international level.
The team management’s decision to experiment with KL Rahul at No 4 or 5 in recent times may not yet solved India’s middle-order muddle but the way Rahul built his innings on Friday showed the kind of versatility he can provide down the order.
Twitter hailed Rahul’s all-round contribution as the 27-year-old continued his fine form:
Team asks KL Rahul to open.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 17, 2020
Team asks KL Rahul to bat 3.
Team asks KL Rahul to bat at 4.
Team asks KL Rahul to bat at 5.
Team asks KL Rahul to keep.
This man has done everything in the last 9 months.#INDvAUS
After a 10 wicket loss, what a comeback by Team India. Shows the true character of this Virat Kohli led team. Special mention of the multidimensional #KLRahul Can't wait for Sunday to come. #INDvAUS
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 17, 2020
Absolute class #KLRahul. Luxury to have a player who can bat anywhere.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 17, 2020
Behave KL Rahul! 😂🔥
— Harish S Itagi (@HarishSItagi) January 17, 2020
It's Mitchell Starc - You've driven him for a six over deep extra cover. #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/cDukRJt6No
Opener is injured,can you Open
— Sukant Saurabh (@saurabh_sukant) January 17, 2020
Rahul :- Yes
WK is injured, can you Keep
Rahul :- Yes
Need a Finisher to finish the inngs, can you do so.
Rahul :- Yes
Earlier Rahul Dravid,now KL Rahul....#INDvsAUS#KLRahul pic.twitter.com/PNC75336z7
Got selected as a No.4 in World Cup, KL Rahul scored runs. Dhawan got injured at World Cup, KL Rahul became opener and scored runs. Virat Kohli demoted himself, KL Rahul scored runs at 3. And today,came in at No.5, KL Rahul performed and became a finisher.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 17, 2020
Well done @klrahul11.
KL Rahul in his last 3 games:
— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) January 18, 2020
As opener: 54 Runs
At No.3: 46 Runs
At No.5: 80 Rune
As keeper: 2C & 1S
#KLRahul deserves to be in the Indian team more than anyone! He is a perfect team player, does whatever he's asked and does it with utmost sincerity and perfection.... Respect! pic.twitter.com/Do33nrhlOZ
— Helldemon! (@Abheet235) January 17, 2020
Finishing the innings, now a close stumping. Remove your KL Rahul mask, MSD. #INDvAUS
— Manya (@CSKian716) January 17, 2020
Opener injured: Call Rahul
— Srivathsa C M (@srivathsacm) January 17, 2020
Keeper injured: call Rahul
Finisher injured: call Rahul
When all are fit: Drop Rahul
Poor guy never has a guaranteed place or position in playing XI!#KLRahul #Klaus #INDvAUS
I think #KLRahul is a new No.4 batsman for india in white ball cricket. He has really good technique against fast bowler and spinner as well. Not like others who struggled against pace. In the next match play him at No. 4 and Rishab Pant at 5 instead of Shreyas iyer. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/S045v2KtbY
— Imran Saiyyed (@SaiyyedImran) January 17, 2020