In a high-stakes encounter where the Indian top order crumbled under pressure, KL Rahul emerged as the solitary warrior, crafting a magnificent unbeaten 112 off 93 balls. His innings, which rescued India from a precarious position in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand, has drawn high praise from former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan.

Speaking on Cricbuzz, the legendary fast bowler described Rahul’s knock as one of immense ‘pride,’ highlighting the tactical maturity he displayed to steer India to a competitive total of 284/7.

Zaheer Khan heaps praises on KL Rahul’s act of shouldering the responsibility

According to Zaheer, the hallmark of Rahul’s innings was not just the century, but the dire situation in which it was compiled. With the top four batters back in the pavilion early, the onus fell on Rahul to anchor the innings against a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack.

“He’ll take a lot of pride in this hundred. One of the top four, after getting the start, had to go onto get a 100. It was not the case, but KL Rahul shouldered the responsibility very well,” said Zaheer.

Zaheer emphasized that Rahul’s presence was the difference between a collapse and a contest. By staying until the end, Rahul ensured that India didn’t just survive the middle overs but thrived in the death overs.

Zaheer applauds the crucial partnership between Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja

The defining phase of the match was the stabilization period. Zaheer pointed out the “cautious approach” adopted by Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja during their pivotal partnership. The duo understood that losing another wicket would expose the tail to New Zealand’s pacers too early.

“He had to absorb pressure, build his innings slowly… there was a cautious approach from both Rahul and Jadeja at that stage,” Zaheer explained.

This partnership was instrumental. By curbing their natural instincts, they weathered the storm, frustrating the opposition and setting a platform that allowed Rahul to explode in the final ten overs.

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Impressive strike rate under fire

While the early phase was about caution, the finish was about precision hitting. Zaheer was particularly impressed with Rahul’s strike rate of 121.74, noting that maintaining such a tempo while rebuilding the innings is a rare feat. He further analyzed the shift in India’s target expectations.

“That strike rate was so impressive, considering the pressure which was there in the situation. At the start of the innings, you were looking at 300, 300-plus, but to get to 280-plus is something that India were looking at as an ideal total to defend,” added Zaheer.

By guiding India to 284, Rahul ensured the bowlers had a fighting total, effectively turning a match that looked like a certain defeat into a winning cause. As per Zaheer’s assessment, this 112* will go down as one of Rahul’s finest ODI knocks, characterized by grit, situational awareness, and elegant execution.

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