IND vs SL: 'Five Minutes Before The Toss, Rahul Bhai Came And Told Me..': KL Rahul Makes Startling Revelation

KL Rahul has made a stunning return to action for Team India. The wicketkeeper-batsman was sidelined since May due to a thigh injury before being named in the squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2023.

Unfortunately, he suffered a minor injury after recovering from a thigh injury and had to miss India’s first two matches in the tournament. He finally got a chance in the playing eleven for the mega clash against Pakistan in the Super 4 and the Karnataka star grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

KL Rahul walked out to bat when India was in a solid position on Sunday (September 10). The score was 123 for 2 in the 18th over when the right-handed batsman joined Virat Kohli in the middle. He and Kohli could bat for a few more overs before rain brought an end to the day’s proceedings and the game continued on the reserve day.

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But the disruption did not affect KL Rahul as well as Kohli as both batsmen went on to score unbeaten centuries to guide India to a mammoth total of 356 for 2. The duo shared a record 233-run stand for the second wicket. While KL Rahul scored 111 runs, Kohli smashed 122 off just 94 balls. India then bowled out Pakistan for just 128 to register a record 228-run win over.

KL Rahul reveals last-minute instruction:

After the stunning century, KL Rahul has revealed that he was not supposed to play the game. In fact, he was so sure of not being a part of the game that he had not brought his batting gear with him to the ground. But just before the start of the play, head coach Rahul Dravid told him that he would play the game as Shreyas Iyer was suffering from a back spasm.

“You know once you come back from injury, it’s really hard and I have had a lot of injuries in last few years so it’s been very tough but when you have been sitting out for five months, watching matches on TV, you are ready to do anything after returning. Really happy that I could do the job for the team,” KL Rahul told the Asia Cup broadcasters.

“Five minutes before the toss, Rahul bhai came and told me that I might have to play because Shreyas got a back spasm. And I had not brought any batting gear, did not get my batting t-shirts, or skins.

“I had come only knowing that I would be carrying water and had brought only one full-sleeved t-shirt, so, at the last minute, the manager had to run to the hotel and get my stuff. But this has not happened for the first time so mentally, I know what to do when I am thrown in the ring,” he added.

KL Rahul is likely to play against Sri Lanka on Tuesday (September 12) as Shreyas Iyer is reportedly not fit for the game. The right-handed batsman would be looking to come up with another good performance to cement his spot in the playing eleven ahead of the World Cup.