After amassing a total of 22 runs in the first three T20 World Cup 2022 games, KL Rahul on Wednesday (November 2) returned to form as he smashed a stunning half-century in India’s five-run victory (DLS method) over Bangladesh at the Adelaide Oval.
Opening the innings, Rahul slammed 50 off 32 balls to lead the foundation for India’s highly competitive total of 184/6. The right-hander looked in his elements during the fiery knock, hitting three fours and four sixes.
After the game, Rahul reflected on his innings and said that he was glad to have played the role given to him by the team management.
"My emotions were good. We are all excited to be out here and we have all looked forward to this World Cup for last one year. I have always tried to stay balanced whether I am doing well or not," Rahul told reporters at the post-match press conference.
"The team has given me a role and if I am able to do what team wants from me, I can sleep peacefully," he added.
The best bit about Team India’s success in the ongoing T20 World Cup is different individuals stepping up to the plate in each game.
"This was an important game for us. We all wanted to contribute. Today it was an opportunity for me to stand up and be counted. Every match, a different person is putting his hand up and making it count," Rahul said.
Having made the group-stage exit in the last T20 World Cup, the Indian team, according to Rahul, worked hard to prepare themselves for difficult situations.
"We have really worked hard and prepared ourselves for difficult situations. So that when time comes, we can execute our plans in those difficult situations."
Talking about his direct hit from the deep to get rid of the dangerous Litton Das, Rahul said: "We all train very hard on fielding. We work on our throwing and moving quickly. The ball came and I hit the stumps."
On the eve of the Bangladesh game, senior batter Virat Kohli was spotted having a long chat with KL Rahul. While he was batting at the indoor nets of the Adelaide Oval, Kohli came into the middle and shared his inputs with the opener.
Sharing the conversations he has had with Kohli, Rahul said: “We spoke about mindset and how we have been coming to Australia for some years to play different formats but wickets this time have been very challenging.
“He (Kohli) has been getting runs and that means he has been doing something right. So I wanted to know what are the things that he is doing.”
He thanked the coaching staff for keeping him in a good frame of mind.
“Yes, there is bound to be disappointment if you are not scoring runs but the support staff has always been very helpful.”
India will face Zimbabwe in their last group match at MCG on Sunday (November 6).
(With PTI inputs)
