IND Vs AFG: KL Rahul's Time Off From The Field Was A Blessing In Disguise, Says Anil Kumble

Anil Kumble believes that KL Rahul’s break from cricket served him well, as evidenced by his outstanding unbeaten 97-run performance against Australia on Sunday, October 8th.

In May 2023, Rahul suffered a significant hamstring injury during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match, requiring surgery on his right thigh and an extended period of recovery.

Despite this setback, Rahul made a triumphant return to the cricketing arena during the Asia Cup 2023, where he delivered a stellar performance, scoring an impressive 111* against Pakistan and helping India post a massive total of 356 runs.

During the recent India Vs Australia clash in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli joined forces when India’s innings were in dire straits at 2/3. Together, they stabilized the innings, crafting an extraordinary partnership that exceeded the previous best of 142 runs set during the 1996 World Cup.

Rahul’s remarkable unbeaten 97 runs, agonizingly close to a century, played a pivotal role as India successfully chased down Australia’s target of 200 runs with six wickets in hand.

Anil Kumble Heaps Praises For KL Rahul.

Speaking on Cricinfo, Anil Kumble pointed out that Rahul’s time away from the field had been beneficial. The former spinner commended Rahul for his game awareness and his ability to endure challenging phases while maintaining consistency.

“Yes, I think you know, Certainly the time off has helped him. And it’s what has been impressive has been his game awareness and also the toughness to sort of go through those phases and be consistent. We all knew his skill, his talent, and his ability both against pace and spin, but to control all of that to ensure that you know he does what is needed of him for the team has been outstanding,” said Kumble.

Kumble further expressed that KL Rahul’s performance in Chennai was the best he had witnessed from the batsman in the past few months.

“Yes. In the last couple of months? Yes, brilliant batting from KL,” concluded Kumble.

KL Rahul unfortunately missed on a well-deserved hundred after timing a ball too well for a six. He revealed in the post-match presentation that he was trying to hit a four off that delivery but it went for a six.

KL Rahul was on 91 when the team needed 5 runs to win. If he would’ve hit a four on that ball he could’ve tried hitting a six of the next ball to get to his hundred.

India will now face Afghanistan on 11th October at the Arun Jaitely Stadium in Delhi. The stadium has gone through a nice renovation prior to the World Cup and South Africa already made history in that Stadium by amassing a total of 428/5 against Sri Lanka. It will be interesting to see whether India will live up to those standards set by the proteas.