KL Rahul was at his very best in India’s series-levelling 36-run victory over Australia in the second ODI at Rajkot on Friday (January 17).

Rahul, usually a top-order batsman, was dropped down to No. 5 position and he came up with a blazing knock of 52-ball 80 to propel India to a massive 340/6 in 50 overs. His innings was studded with 6 fours and 3 sixes.

In the absence of regular glovesman Rishabh Pant, Rahul also played the role of wicketkeeper and affected three dismissals.

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Speaking after the match, India skipper Virat Kohli hailed Rahul’s knock as the "best that he has played at the international level".

"It's very important to figure out the best team you can put on the park and when you see how KL was batting today, it's very difficult to leave someone like that out. Batting at No 5 and batting like that for the team, this is probably the best he's played at international level. That knocked showed maturity and class," Kohli said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The Indian captain himself was back at No. 3 and played a brilliant knock of 76-ball 78.

Asked about the change from the last game, Virat said: "We live in the days of social media and the panic button was pressed too early. ....We know exactly what we're doing in the dressing room. On the outside there's a lot of panic that we don't really focus on."

Kohli also showered praise on left-handed opener Shikhar Dhawan, who contributed a stylish 96 off 90 balls in the second ODI.

"Back to No 3 was good for the team so I'm happy from that point of view that it helped the team. In ODI cricket, Shikhar has been one of our most consistent performers. I am very happy that he scored runs as well. It always augurs well when he and Rohit score runs."

The skipper assured that his deputy Rohit Sharma, who seemed to have picked up a shoulder injury while fielding, is doing fine and should be available for the series decider in Bangalore on Sunday (January 19).

"I asked Rohit briefly just now. It's that left shoulder that has popped out a few times. There's no tear so hopefully he should be back for the next game,” Kohli concluded.

(With PTI inputs)