IND vs ENG: KL Rahul Reveals Cristiano Ronaldo Inspiration Behind Celebration With Virat Kohli

Making the most of his red-hot form, KL Rahul, on Tuesday, slammed a stunning century to help India thrash England by 8 wickets in the first T20I. 

Bowling first, the Men in Blue restricted the hosts for a modest 159 for 8. Kuldeep Yadav was the destructor-in-chief, picking up his career-best figures of 5 for 24. At 95 for 1 in the 12th over, England were well on course for a good total. However, Kuldeep took 4 wickets including three in an over in his second and third over to derail England’s innings.  He then went on to dismiss Jos Buttler in his final over to complete a five-wicket haul.

After that, it was all about Rahul. India’s reply was off to a poor start. Shikhar Dhawan departed in the very first over. However, Rahul and Rohit Sharma added 123 runs for the second wicket to all but seal the game. Rahul batted in top gear right from the start. He hit a six off the third ball he faced, by dispatching a full Chris Jordan delivery over covers.

Adil Rashid broke the stand by dismissing Rohit for 32. Rahul, however, remained till the end, reaching his century off 53 balls. India eventually reached the target in the 19th over.

Apart from his knock, what was worth noticing was Rahul’s celebration. Rahul did the dab celebration before a joint-celebration with skipper Kohli.

Following the game, Rahul, in an interview with teammate Dinesh Karthik, revealed that Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was the inspiration behind the celebration with Kohli.

“By the end of the England series, I want to have a different handshake with all the members in the team right now. I have one with Hardik (Pandya). With Virat you saw it,” he said.

Karthik asked if the celebration was taken out from (Cristiano) Ronaldo, to which Rahul replied, “Yeah, sort of. You know Virat’s a huge Ronaldo fan.”

DON'T MISS: From his match-winning century, him going through tough times to coming up with new celebration styles, @klrahul11 speaks to @DineshKarthik post #TeamIndia's comprehensive 1st T20I win against England – by @RajalArora
Full Video Link—-> https://t.co/991dWFlVZp pic.twitter.com/uUl6mK9jl0

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 4, 2018