Colombo [Sri Lanka]: India captain Rohit Sharma disclosed that wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was informed of his inclusion in the playing XI just five minutes prior to the toss on Sunday.
Rohit also praised the right-hander for his mental approach as the Men in Blue defeated Pakistan by 228 runs in a crucial Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 on Monday.
Virat Kohli’s vintage performance and KL Rahul’s unbridled century powered India to 356/2 against arch-rivals Pakistan. Kohli finished his innings with an unbeaten 122, which came from 94 deliveries, while Rahul smashed a fiery 111 of 106 balls.
Rohit emphasised the significance of Rahul’s century in the team’s triumph while Kohli’s consistency and expert batting were once again on display. Rahul’s comeback innings was crucial in helping India reach their lofty score and secure a convincing victory over their bitter rivals.
“Virat’s innings was brilliantly paced. And then KL, last minute to get back from injury and play 5 minutes before the toss. We told him to get ready. Shows the mindset of the player. Looking at how we batted, there were lots of positives with the openers and then Virat and KL,” India captain said in a post-match presentation.
The Indian captain himself scored an attacking fifty to lay the groundwork, and he is overjoyed that his team delivered a nearly faultless effort.
“Fantastic performance, right from yesterday. When we started, we knew the wicket was good and we had to adjust with the rain, The two experienced (Kohli and Rahul) guys we knew they’d take time to get their eye in and then we could get going,’ he added.
Talking about Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit said, “Looked good, he swung it both ways and he’s worked really hard for the last 8-10 months. Bumrah is only 27, for him to miss games isn’t ideal but the way he bowled showed what he is all about.”
The captain also expressed gratitude to the Colombo groundstaff for their outstanding efforts in completing a game despite numerous interruptions over the previous two days.
“We just wanted to get out on the park, to get some game time. A lot of guys haven’t had that. That could only happen thanks to a great effort from the groundsmen. I know how tough it is to cover and remove covers from the whole ground. On behalf of the entire team, we would like to thank them,” Rohit said.
Coming to the match, fiery centuries from Virat Kohli and KL Rahul followed by Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul powered India to 228 runs win over their traditional rival Pakistan in Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash here at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Monday.
Kuldeep bagged his second ODI five-for as India clinched a huge 228-run win – Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf didn’t come out to bat in Pakistan’s chase. With this mammoth victory, India clinched the top spot in of Asia Cup 2023 Super 4s table.
