IND vs BAN: "It Was A Physical Challenge For Us" - KL Rahul On Playing Three Consecutive Days In Asia Cup 2023
Published - 13 Sep 2023, 01:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:18 AM
Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul shared his experience of playing three consecutive days in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, describing it as a physical challenge. KL Rahul highlighted that the pitch conditions were not favorable for batting, which tested them a lot during the match.
The Rohit Sharma-led team played three decisive days against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage. The India-Pakistan match was moved to reserve day after it was washed out on Sunday, September 10. Team India secured a convincing 228-run victory against Pakistan on Monday.
The Men in Blue faced Sri Lanka in their next match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday, September 12. The Rohit Sharma-led team secured their place in the final of the continental tournament by defeating the opposition by 41 runs in their second Super Four match.
The Conditions Were Not Ideal – KL Rahul
Speaking to Star Sports after the Sri Lanka clash, KL Rahul expressed satisfaction with the team’s intensity and his own contributions in challenging conditions.
“It was amazing throughout. It was a physical challenge for us. The conditions were not ideal. it tested us a lot and I think I was happy to see the intensity of all of us. Obviously happy to contribute to the team. Wanted to give partnerships for the team. I was out for 4-5 months so will take it whatever it comes,” said Rahul.
KL Rahul smashed an unbeaten century against Pakistan, scoring 111 runs off 106 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and two sixes. The right-handed batter scored 39 runs in challenging conditions before being dismayed by Dunith Wellalage.
We Were 30 Runs Short – KL Rahul
The 31-year-old admitted that they were 30 runs short in the batting, considering the good starts from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rahul lauded left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav for his excellent bowling performances in the ongoing tournament.
“Me and Ishan had a good partnership and Rohit and Shubman started it. We were 30 runs short I felt. It’s been good. Playing for three days in a row was tough and glad we passed the test,” Rahul added.
“Kuldeep has been good and my job from behind the stumps was simple. Just to keep at it and guide him. We build trust as a team and enjoy playing with each other. We are happy to get the win in the end,” he concluded.
Rahul was included in India’s playing XI for the match against Pakistan after Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the game due to a back spasm. He also took up wicketkeeping duties in two consecutive matches despite making a comeback from an injury layoff.
