IND Vs AFG: 'Let's Not Run Twos..'- KL Rahul Reveals Masterplan Behind Australia Chase With Virat Kohli

Indian batsman KL Rahul has given insights into India’s unexpected early struggles against Australia in a candid conversation with former Indian captain Virat Kohli. Rahul expressed his astonishment at the initial challenges they faced but emphasized the crucial partnership he and Kohli forged, ultimately resulting in India’s six-wicket triumph at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.

In a video shared by the BCCI, Kohli and Rahul delved into their remarkable 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket, marking India’s most significant partnership against the five-time World Cup champions, Australia, in ODI World Cups.

Virat Kohli first asked KL Rahul about how his body was feeling, he asked, “Talking about the special partnership that I and KL had, we had one in the Asia Cup as well but this was a bit more special. How does it feel, how is the body feeling first.”

To this, Rahul replied, “Tired. I won’t lie, you know how it was the only chat after I think 50 or 70 runs of the partnership was Let’s conserve energy. Let’s not run the twos but once you hit it in the gap then I guess instincts take over and we end up running. It was a tough day but it could get our World Cup journey started with a good victory,”

Kohli probed Rahul about his emotions during the partnership, especially considering the daunting situation India found themselves in when they were reduced to 2 for 3 after only two overs. Rahul admitted that he had not anticipated such a rapid start to their innings, and the sudden turnaround took him by surprise.

KL Rahul Was Not Expecting To Bat So Early In The Game

“I know the situation was not ideal when you came in, you were all over the place you were still padding up while walking in. The first thing I told you was that it was a quick turnaround. It was quite bizarre, to be honest, the start was quite bizarre. What was your feeling when you were walking in?” Kohli asked Rahul.

Recalling the moment, Rahul confessed, “I never expected it, you do lose a couple of quick wickets sometimes when the ball is doing something but not like that it still takes 4-5 overs. It doesn’t all happen in 1.5 overs or 2 overs time. I just came and sat, I just had a shower, and the minute I sat down Ishan got out. I had to rush back to get taped and started wearing my pad.”

KL Rahul has been in tremendous form since returning from his injury, he is keeping wickets and has been the backbone of the Indian middle order since his return. KL Rahul scored a century against Pakistan in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup. He then led India during the IND Vs AUS ODI series scoring back-to-back half-centuries and now, he played a gem of a knock against Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Kohli and Rahul’s pivotal partnership played a critical role in India’s successful chase, ultimately guiding them to victory with six wickets and 52 balls to spare. Following their triumph over Australia, India now turns its focus to their upcoming clash against Afghanistan, scheduled to take place at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium on October 11.