Asia Cup 2023: According to India skipper Rohit Sharma, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul was told of his inclusion in the starting XI barely five minutes before Sunday’s toss for the Super 4 clash against Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2023 cricket tournament in Colombo.
In a vital Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Monday, the Men in Blue thrashed Pakistan by 228 runs, and Rohit lauded the right-hander for his mental approach.
KL Rahul’s unrestrained century and Virat Kohli’s legendary effort propelled India to 356/2 over archrival Pakistan. Rahul hit a scorching 111 off of 106 balls, while Kohli concluded his innings with an unbeaten 122 from 94 deliveries.
Rahul’s century was stressed by Rohit as a key factor in the team’s success, and Kohli’s dependability and skillful batting were once more on full display. Rahul’s comeback inning was essential in enabling India to score their high total and defeat their fierce opponents with ease.
“Virat’s innings was brilliantly paced. And then KL, last minute to get back from injury and play 5 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,” India captain said during the post-match presentation.
The Indian skipper is thrilled that his squad put forth a practically perfect effort after scoring an attacking fifty of his own to lay the foundation of the massive victory.
“Fantastic performance, right from yesterday. When we started, we knew the wicket was good and we had to adjust with the rain, The two experienced (Kohli and Rahul) guys we knew they’d take time to get their eye in and then we could get going,’ he added.
Talking about Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit said, “Looked good, he swung it both ways and he’s worked really hard for the last 8-10 months. Bumrah is only 27, for him to miss games isn’t ideal but the way he bowled showed what he is all about.”
The captain of Team India also thanked the Colombo grounds crew for their extraordinary efforts in finishing a game despite multiple delays over the preceding two days.
“We just wanted to get out on the park, to get some game time. A lot of guys haven’t had that. That could only happen thanks to a great effort from the groundsmen. I know how tough it is to cover and remove covers from the whole ground. On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank them,” Rohit said.
Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul and blazing centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul earlier in the day helped India defeat Pakistan by 228 runs in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four match at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
India defeated Pakistan by a margin of 228 runs thanks to Kuldeep’s second ODI five-for; Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf opted not to bat in the Pakistani chase. India won the top slot in the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s standings with their huge victory.
