Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised KL Rahul’s composure, adaptability and finishing skills after the wicketkeeper-batter played a decisive unbeaten knock to steer India to a four-wicket win in a tense chase against New Zealand in the first ODI at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Sunday. Chasing 301, India appeared to be cruising before the innings hit a nervous phase. The hosts slipped to 242 for 5, bringing Harshit Rana to the crease alongside Rahul, with the pressure firmly back on India. What followed, however, underlined Rahul’s maturity and game awareness.
Rahul chose caution over aggression during his stand with Rana, putting together a vital 37-run partnership. Rather than forcing shots, Rahul focused on strike rotation and protecting his partner, allowing Rana to take the risks while ensuring New Zealand were not gifted a breakthrough that could have exposed the tail. After Rana’s dismissal, Rahul shifted gears subtly. He added another crucial 27 runs with Washington Sundar, this time taking greater responsibility for scoring while still keeping the chase under control. Despite being known for his attacking strokeplay, Rahul resisted the temptation to go big until the moment was right. With India needing 12 runs from the final two overs, Rahul finally unleashed. He found the boundary early in the 49th over, then sealed the contest by striking two boundaries followed by a six in the closing stages, finishing the chase with authority. Speaking on JioStar, Aakash Chopra highlighted how Rahul adapted his approach to the situation. “KL Rahul’s batting approach in this first ODI against New Zealand was interesting. We know him as an aggressive player. But here, with Harshit Rana and an injured Washington Sundar batting with him, he was different,” Chopra said. “Many times you think he will accelerate and finish the match quickly with a big shot, but he took his time. The first ball he hit in the 49th over wasn’t a boundary ball, but he found the boundary. He has the ability of finding the boundaries easily and he hits his shots when he wants,” he added. Chopra also underlined Rahul’s versatility and temperament, comparing his calmness in the closing overs to that of MS Dhoni. “He was taking singles off balls he usually hits, but he waited for the right chances. In a different way, his versatility is his biggest quality. Ask him to open, keep the wickets, or be the stand-in captain, he will do it. He just hasn’t bowled yet, that is pending,” Chopra said. “In these death overs, controlling the chase so well, controlling the nerves almost like Dhoni, hats off to KL Rahul. He is excelling at the toughest role in modern cricket – the finisher,” he concluded.
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