Asia Cup 2023: “I Thought I’d Be Serving Water…” – KL Rahul Reveals He Wasn’t in India’s Starting XI Against Pakistan
KL Rahul played a breathtaking innings of 111 runs from 106 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes
India’s premier wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul, revealed that Rahul Dravid, informed him a mere five minutes before the high-stakes Super 4 match in Asia Cup 2023 against arch-rivals Pakistan that he would be in the starting XI due to Shreyas Iyer’s back spasm.
The stylish right-hander did not let the opportunity slip through his fingers as he displayed an impressive array of shots that sent the Pakistan bowlers scrambling. He remained unbeaten with a breathtaking 111 runs from 106 balls, including 12 boundaries and two massive sixes.
“Rahul bhai 5 minutes before the toss told me I’m playing. I didn’t bring anything with me, because I thought I’ll be serving water. Strange things have happened to me in my career,” KL Rahul said after playing a match-defining knock against Pakistan.
Notably, KL Rahul was sidelined for the first two matches in the Asia Cup against Pakistan and Nepal due to a minor injury, and in his absence, Ishan Kishan stepped in against Pakistan in the league stage match, delivering a brilliant knock of 82 runs that solidified his spot in the playing 11.
Interestingly, Shreyas Iyer’s injury ahead of the Super 4 encounter against the Babar Azam & Co. turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as it opened up an opportunity for Rahul in the playing XI, where he reaffirmed his reputation as a dependable middle-order batter for Team India in ODIs.
Riding on the back of unbeaten centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, Team India accumulated a commanding total of 356 runs within their allocated 50 overs. Pakistan, in response, were bowled out for 128 runs in 32 overs, leading to India’s resounding win by 228 runs.
