India stand-in captain KL Rahul was at his best when it came to witty answers when a journalist asked him about Virat Kohli opening the innings for India going forward into the T20 World Cup 2022 after the former captain struck his maiden T20I hundred against Afghanistan in Asia Cup 2022.
With Rohit Sharma opting out of an inconsequential contest against Afghanistan, Kohli opened the batting with Rahul. He smacked his 71st international century, his first in T20Is and the highest individual score by an Indian in T20Is as he finished with 122* in 61 balls with 12 fours and 6 sixes to his name.
India made 212/2 and managed to keep Afghanistan to 111/8 to win the match by 101 runs to end their Asia Cup campaign on a high. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked 5/4, his best bowling figures in T20Is.
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli added 119 runs for the first wicket in 12.4 overs as Rahul made 62 runs.
During the press conference after the match, KL Rahul was asked a loaded question by a journalist if Virat Kohli should open the batting going forward, which would mean Rahul, whose T20 batting approach is already under the scanner, would have to sit out.
"Toh kya mai khud baith jaun? (So then should I sit out?)," a perplexed Rahul, obviously not one bit amused, counter-questioned.
Here is the video:
The Indian vice-captain firmly believes that Kohli is not dependent on opening slot to get a huge score.
"You get confidence if you play 2-3 innings, really happy that he could play that way. You all know Virat Kohli, you have been watching him for so many years, it is not like he will only score centuries if he opens the batting, if he bats at No.3, he can then also score centuries. It is all about roles and what role a certain player has," he added.
"Obviously, Virat scoring runs is a huge bonus for the team, and the way he played against Afghanistan, I know he is very very pleased. He has been working on his game and that worked beautifully today. As a team, it is important for every player to get time out in the middle," the stand-in skipper said.
India will now prepare for the home series against Australia and South Africa who will play three T20Is each against the Men in Blue. South Africa will also play three ODIs.
(PTI inputs)
