KL Rahul starred with the bat in India’s series-clinching four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second ODI at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Thursday (January 12).
Chasing 216 to win, India lost Rohit Sharma (17), Shubman Gill (21), Virat Kohli (4) and Shreyas Iyer (28) early and found themselves in a spot of bother at 86/4.
Amid the pressure situation, Rahul stepped up to the plate, playing a responsible knock of 64 not out from 103 balls to take the hosts over the line with 40 balls to spare.
Speaking after the game, Rahul shared his thoughts on the pitch, saying it was a sporty wicket.
“I won't say it was a flat wicket, but I can't say it was impossible to bat as well. It was quite a sporty wicket. When we started I thought it was a 280-300 wicket. It wasn't moving much, spongy bounce, apart from that there was not much. We bowled really well to bowl them get out for 215,” Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Again the start was brisk from the openers. They (Sri Lanka) put up a good fight. Got the early breakthroughs and put us under pressure. Challenging game, we can be proud of the way we fought,” he added.
Talking about his knock, the wicketkeeper-batter said it was important for him to soak in the pressure.
“When I went in to bat last game we were in a comfortable position. We lost 4 wickets today, so it was important to soak in the pressure and ensure their main bowlers don't get into the game early. We didn't need to attack today,” he remarked.
KL Rahul has been given a role to bat at No. 5 in the 50-over format and he is certainly relishing this challenge.
“One thing I really enjoy is that you don't rush back to bat (compared to the role of an opener). You can put your feet up, have a shower, have a good meal and react to the situation. If the team requires me to bat at a certain strike rate I try and do it to the best of my ability. More often than not just try and do the job the team wants has been my mindset. At No. 5 you will be facing spin, I like the ball coming on to the bat. Ro (Rohit) is pretty clear that's where he wants me to bat (No. 5) and conveyed that to me,” he concluded.
The third and final ODI will be held in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday (January 15).
(With Cricbuzz Inputs)
