India vs Australia: ‘He showed maturity and class’ - Virat Kohli identifies ‘biggest takeaway’ from Rajkot win | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

India vs Australia: ‘He showed maturity and class’ - Virat Kohli identifies ‘biggest takeaway’ from Rajkot win

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByHT Correspondent
Jan 18, 2020 02:36 PM IST

India vs Australia: KL Rahul smashed 80 runs in 52 balls after he came down to bat at no. 5 in the 2nd ODI against Australia.

India captain Virat Kohli identified the ‘biggest takeaway’ from the win in the 2nd ODI against Australia at Rajkot. The hosts were entering the contest after a 10-wicket thrashing in the first ODI at Wankhede, in which the skipper was criticised for altering with the batting order, and coming down to bat at no. 4 instead of his usual no. 3 position. But at Rajkot, Kohli resumed his usual position, and KL Rahul came down to bat at no.5 after Shreyas Iyer. The strategy worked in India’s favour as Rahul smashed 80 runs in 52 balls to help his side post a total of 340/5 in 50 overs. After India’s 36-run win, Kohli praised Rahul for his performance at the post-match presentation ceremony.

India's captain Virat Kohli, left, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's Mitchell Starc.(AP)
India's captain Virat Kohli, left, celebrates with teammates the dismissal of Australia's Mitchell Starc.(AP)

“It’s important to not leave someone like KL out. You saw how he batted today. This is probably the best he’s played at the international level. The knock showed maturity and class, and we know exactly what we’re doing in the dressing room,” he said.

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

Also read: Series at stake, India and Australia ready for showdown

Kohli also went on to praise his bowlers for the crucial yorker deliveries, but added that Rahul’s performance at no. 5 was the biggest takeaway from the match.

“I asked the bowlers what they wanted to do and they said this was the time to execute the yorkers. All three of them were really good with the yorkers, particularly Shami who changed everything in that over. But the biggest takeaway for me was KL at 5. KL is becoming a multi-dimensional player, and it’s really great when players step up like this,” he said.

Also read: Great to be compared with someone like Dravid: KL Rahul

With the win, India levelled the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the decider to be played Sunday at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR 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
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