Team India wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul opened up on the physical challenge of playing three consecutive days against Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the Super Fours of the 2023 Asia Cup. However, Team India played half of their batting innings on the scheduled match day against Pakistan (September 10) before rain played spoilsport and the game shifted to the following day (September 11). Team India later beat Pakistan by 228 runs on the reserve day before playing again for a third successive day against Sri Lanka on Tuesday, September 12 as well.

Speaking to Star Sports after the Sri Lanka clash, Rahul was happy with his contribution in testing conditions as well. Despite scoring a stunning unbeaten century against Pakistan, he showed no signs of fatigue as he scored 39 on a tough pitch against Sri Lanka as well.

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“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.

In addition to his brilliant batting, KL Rahul donned the keeping gloves in both games as India beat the Lankans by 41 runs to become the first team to qualify for the Asia Cup final as well. Despite the win, KL Rahul felt India were a few runs short against Sri Lanka where their batting unit failed to do well at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Following a quick 80-run partnership between openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, India lost three quick wickets to be reduced to 91/3 in the 16th over as well. Later, Rahul and Ishan Kishan added an important 63 runs for the fourth wicket before another collapse saw them all out for 213.

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“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,” concluded KL Rahul. “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.”