Venkatesh Prasad shown no mercy for blistering tweet on KL Rahul after 1st ODI | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Venkatesh Prasad shown no mercy for blistering tweet on KL Rahul after his match-winning knock in 1st ODI vs Australia

Mar 18, 2023 09:42 AM IST

Venkatesh Prasad sparked a memefest on Twitter after he took a u-turn on his criticism of KL Rahul and praised the batter.

KL Rahul bounced back to form with a match-winning knock to help India defeat Australia by five wickets in the first ODI, of the three-match series at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Friday. The stylish right-hander, who lost his Test vice-captaincy and was also dropped from the XI after the first two Tests against Australia, played a leading role in India's victory in the series-opening ODI.

India's KL Rahul celebrates his fifty during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai.(PTI)
India's KL Rahul celebrates his fifty during the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match between India and Australia at the Wankhede Stadium, in Mumbai.(PTI)

Chasing a target of 189 runs, India reached 191/5 in 39.5 overs, courtesy of an unbeaten knock of 75 runs off 91 balls by Rahul. Rahul also smacked seven fours and a six. Ravindra Jadeja, in his comeback ODI, also played an important knock of 45* off 69 balls, packed with five fours.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The duo stitched an invaluable unbeaten stand of 108 for the sixth wicket to take India to victory. India were in a spot of bother after Mitchell Starc (¾9) and Marcus Stoinis (2/27) reduced the hosts to 83 for 5 at one stage but Rahul and Jadeja showed admirable patience, absorbed the pressure and kept the scoreboard ticking.

Earlier Australia were bowled out for 188 in 35.4 overs, with Mitchell Marsh top-scoring with a knock of 81 runs off 65 balls. Mohammed Shami led the Indian pace department by taking a three-wicket haul. He was ably supported by Mohammed Siraj, who also scalped three and Ravindra Jadeja, who got the big breakthroughs of Marsh and Glenn Maxwell.

Also Read | Watch: Hardik loses cool, has animated chat with umpire after Marsh pulls out

After the match, Rahul received plenty of praise from experts and fans, who had lashed out at him during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. One of them in particular was former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad, who was extremely critical of Rahul due to his poor form in Test cricket. He wsa even involved in a heated social debate with former India opener Aakash Chopra.

However, Prasad took a u-turn after the first ODI and heaped praise Rahul. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, "Excellent composure under pressure and a brilliant innings by KL Rahul. Top knock. Great support by Ravindra Jadeja and a good win for India. #INDvAUS"

Many fans on Twitter noticed Prasad's tweet, and it sparked a memefest. Fans trolled the former cricketer for his earlier criticism and his sudden u-turn. Here are some of the reactions:

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Prasad made several critical remarks on Rahul's selection and performance. In his tweets, he stated that Rahul's presence was denying chances for other talented cricketers. "I have a lot of regard for KL Rahul’s talent and ability, but sadly his performances have been well below par. A test average of 34 after 46 tests and more than 8 years in international cricket is ordinary. Can’t think of many who have been given so many chances", Prasad wrote in one of his earlier tweets.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RR vs DC Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    At HT Sports Desk, passionate reporters work round the clock to provide detailed updates from the world of sports. Expect nuanced match reports, previews,reviews, technical analysis based on statistics, the latest social media trends, expert opinions on cricket, football, tennis, badminton, hockey,motorsports, wrestling, boxing, shooting, athletics and much more.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On