Veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has applauded KL Rahul for silencing his critics and smashing a stunning century in India’s 2023 World Cup league-stage clash against the Netherlands on Sunday. Rahul smashed 102 runs off 64 deliveries as India set a mammoth 411-run target for the Dutch in Bengaluru. India then bowled out the opponent for 250 to complete a 160-run win.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: “He (Rahul) might be the most trolled player this year but he batted extremely well. If I see as a neutral observer, he is the guy who can open in all three formats, used to do it as well, and can do it if you ask him to do it now also.”
He further added, “However, he doesn’t get to open, although everyone wants to play in the top three in this format. The team needs him at No. 5 because others can’t play at No. 5 and he can. He is not a keeper as well but has become one. I think there is something in the name, if you are Rahul you need to do selfless service for the team. He scored 100 runs in 62 balls. Hearty congratulations to him firstly because he missed one in the first match but it happpened here. I am not at all obsessed but our game is slightly obsessed and our country is extremely obsessed with milestones.”
However, KL Rahul reached his century off 62 deliveries, which is the fastest by an Indian in ODI World Cup history as well. The wicketkeeper-batter hit 11 fours and four sixes during his swashbuckling knock. Aakash Chopra also applauded Shreyas Iyer for scoring a quickfire unbeaten century (128* off 94) as well.
“Shreyas Iyer scored a century. He bats extremely well because he doesn’t slow down at all. He keeps hitting but does it sensibly and is not reckless. Takes singles against spin and then hits it in the air. Whoever bats from No. 4 to No. 6, shouldn’t hesitate to hit the ball in the air. Others find it risky, but batters at these numbers should see it as a scoring opportunity. He understands the DNA of ODI cricket extremely well,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
