‘Joy to watch him burn’: Irfan Pathan celebrates KL Rahul’s composure in tricky chase in New Zealand

India’s KL Rahul (Image: PTI) KL Rahul continues to underline his value to the Indian team with his ability to adapt to different match situations and play according to the demands of the game. In the rain-hit second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, as wickets kept falling at the other end, Rahul kept his cool and remained unbeaten until the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method decided the contest, helping India secure a four-run victory.Rahul’s calm demeanor and ability to negotiate challenging conditions earned praise from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who attended X to appreciate the batsman’s technique and temperament for wickets, especially on difficult overseas pitches.“KL Rahul has to be one of India’s most comfortable batsmen on difficult overseas pitches. The technique, composure and composure he brings to the crease is simply superb. A joy to watch,” Pathan wrote.

Rahul stands tall amid India’s batting collapse

Indian fast bowlers dominated the first innings as New Zealand were bowled out for 134 in 41 overs. Auqib Nabi struck twice, including his first international wicket, while Gurnoor Brar removed Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in a two-wicket haul to leave the hosts in motion on 53/3.Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 balls while Mitchell Santner contributed 31 as the pair added 59 runs for the sixth wicket. Brar finished with 4/30 while Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel took two wickets each.New Zealand struggled with the ball as Jacob Duffy dismissed Shubman Gill for a golden duck and Virat Kohli in the chase early. Kyle Jamieson continued to trouble India, reducing them to 47/4.Shreyas Iyer (30 off 46) and KL Rahul (26* off 38) tried to rebuild the innings but India slipped to 113/7 before rain interrupted play. With the visitors ahead on DLS’s even score, India secured a four-run victory.