Former cricketer Irfan Pathan hailed KL Rahul’s smart batting after the wicketkeeper-batter paved the way for India’s four-wicket victory in a tense run chase against New Zealand during the first ODI at Vadodara on Sunday (January 11).

Chasing 301 to win, the Men in Blue found themselves in a spot of bother at 242/5 when all-rounder Harshit Rana joined Rahul at the crease. Rahul played cautiously, contributing to a 37-run stand with Rana, who scored the bulk of the runs.

After Rana’s dismissal, Rahul stitched a 27-run partnership with Washington Sundar. He took most of the scoring responsibilities, hitting consecutive boundaries and a six in the last three balls of the penultimate over to take India home with an unbeaten 29 off 21 balls.

“When KL Rahul bats, people often ask why he is batting so low. But we need to keep in mind that the rule has now changed because the ball reverses slightly after the 34th over. If the ball doesn’t reverse, it is slow. In those situations, a technically correct batter makes a difference. Other batters were getting slightly troubled in the first ODI, but Rahul was well in control. Rahul showed what his approach was when he kept taking singles. It was predicted he would target the 49th over and sealed the game with two fours, followed by a six," Pathan was quoted as saying on his YouTube Channel.

Pathan also acknowledged Harshit Rana’s contribution in the first ODI, noting that people should recognise he is being picked on merit. Rana returned with bowling figures of 2/65 in 10 overs and produced a crucial knock of 23-ball 29.

“Harshit Rana’s contribution was equally crucial. The way Rana has been batting and bowling, people should now realise that he is being picked based on his talent. This was the most important knock of his career. India might have found it difficult if that 37-run stand wouldn’t come," he added.

With this victory, India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played in Rajkot on Wednesday (January 14).