Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on KL Rahul's exceptional batting performance against Australia and highlighted its positive impact on Team India's chances in the ongoing ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023.
Rahul played a remarkable knock of 97* and added 165 runs with Virat Kohli (83) for the 4th wicket to help Team India get off to a winning start with a six-wicket victory over Australia on Friday (October 8) in Chennai.
Gavaskar was highly impressed with India's fightback and said that Men in Blue players’ confidence will soar after this crucial win over Australia in their first match in the CWC 2023.
Sunil Gavaskar told India Today: “What India has shown is that they can recover even with backs on their wall. The fightback that we saw was the most impressive. It was a total all-round performance, a very good performance by India.”
He further said, “The confidence level will go up. So other teams will have to watch out. Virat's experience was needed and we must not forget Rahul's innings as well. Rahul scored 97 not out and did not put a foot wrong. Kohli had a bit of luck when that easy catch was dropped.
Read Also: CWC 2023: “You will print it in English and they will understand,” Jadeja refrains from sharing the secret of his success against Smith
So good to see the way he is playing. We've all known the ability and talent that he has. The way he's batting right now augers well for India for the rest of the tournament. You have someone coming in at number 5 who can hold the innings together.”
Highlighting how Kohli relished pressure in Chennai, the former Indian skipper was surprised why the dashing right-hander did not go on to get his century because he could get in.
Gavaskar further explained, “He relishes pressure and does not want easy runs. When you're under pressure, all your runs are valuable. So, relishing the pressure is one of the most important aspects. No batter doesn't need a bit of luck at the start of the innings.”
He signed off by saying, “But once that luck comes your way, you've got to cash in on it and he is very good at it. I'm surprised that he got out at 85 because if there's one batter who knows how to get a hundred, it's Kohli.”
India will next play Afghanistan on OCtober 11 in Delhi.
(With India Today Inputs)
