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Shoaib Akhtar and KL Rahul (File Photo, Twitter)
Star Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul amazed everyone with his sensational unbeaten knock of 97 runs from an extreme pressure situation in India’s ODI World Cup 2023 campaign opener against Australia. He stabilized the Indian innings with former skipper Virat Kohli from a miserable stage when they lost 3 wickets just at the score of 2 runs in 2 overs.
Kohli and Rahul stitched a match-winning partnership of 165 runs for the fourth wicket in India’s favour to help the side win by 6 wickets against the five-time World Cup champions, Australia. The Karnataka batter won the ‘Player of the Match award for his match-defining.
Meanwhile, the former legendary Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar came up with a very bold and blunt assessment of KL Rahul’s classy knock against Australia. Akhtar also mentioned the fitness of former Indian skipper Virat Kohli while speaking about KL Rahul.
“The way KL Rahul asserted his authority; he looks to be in a different league. Virat Kohli played a great innings but he could not play a chanceless innings. When KL Rahul was batting, he did not give any chance throughout his innings,” said Shoaib Akhtar in a video on his YouTube channel.
"People laud Virat Kohli for his fitness and his running between the wickets, but KL Rahul is running with him too and also after keeping wickets and that needs to be talked about. KL Rahul is a complete player and needs to be backed throughout," he added later.
"Rahul hit shots when it was needed, and soaked in pressure." - Shoaib Akhtar on KL Rahul
Furthermore, the former speedster also spoke about the turning point of the match and the stability KL Rahul provided during his partnership with Virat Kohli.
"Rahul hit shots when it was needed, and soaked in pressure with the situation of the game was tough. Virat Kohli's dropped catch was the turning point, yes, but KL Rahul giving stability was crucial. You play him at any number - in the middle order, and opening, he does well. Don't forget that he kept wickets as well just before this for 50 overs," Akhtar said.