KL Rahul welcomes valuable game time as the World Cup knocks on the door

KL Rahul welcomed much-needed time in the middle with a magnificent unbeaten 129 in the third ODI against the West Indies, bringing a confident and aggressive innings that India will want from him as the ODI World Cup knocks on the door. However, Rahul’s knock came in vain as West Indies chased down India’s formidable target of 352 runs with 10 balls to spare to win by five wickets.

Rahul came in at No. 5 after Rohit Sharma was dismissed for 92, with India having already lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli cheaply. Ruturaj Gaikwad was also dismissed soon after, leaving Rahul in charge of steering India through the middle overs before providing a late boost.

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“Yes, very happy. Firstly, I wanted some time in the middle. I think the last time I really got some batting time in ODI cricket was in early January and since then I haven’t had much time,” Rahul told TV stations after the match.

“I knocked quickly against Afghanistan but I was looking for a while in the middle. It’s a big year, the ODI World Cup is around the corner, so it’s important for me to get that match,” Rahul said.

RAHUL FINDS HIS RHYTHM

Since his unbeaten 112 against New Zealand in Rajkot earlier this year, Rahul has faced just 37 balls in ODIs in seven matches without getting a chance to bat in the first two ODIs against the West Indies. So when he finally got a longer opportunity in the middle, the wicketkeeper made it count.

Rahul himself was in no rush. At first he focused on finding his rhythm, swinging his shot and picking gaps before gradually taking more risks. Once established, however, the pace changed dramatically. He brought up his half-century off 41 balls before shifting into another gear, with his century coming from 80 balls.

“I’m trying a few things off the field and I want to test it in the game. Only then will you know if what you’re doing and the work you’re doing behind the scenes is working or not or what you need to do differently. So yes, it was important for me to get some game time and I’m glad for that,” added Rahul.

FROM PATIENCE TO POWER

Rahul’s acceleration was perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the innings. After spending the early part of his knock getting inside, he took chances in the closing stages. He attacked the West Indies bowlers with authority, finding boundaries regularly and using the crease well to create scoring opportunities.

Rohit’s 92 and Gaikwad’s 57 gave India the foundation but Rahul ensured they finished strong. Unfortunately for him, the West Indies had an answer. Shai Hope produced a sensational unbeaten 162 to lead the visitors in the chase and guide them to victory with 10 balls to spare. Rahul finally got the valuable ODI game time he was looking for, but he would have enjoyed it more if it came as a winning reason.

– The end