(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul right after coming back from an injury scored unbeaten 111 runs from 106 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes against Pakistan on Monday.
Rahul came out to bat at number four in the 18th over of the game and looked settled from the very first ball, playing a risk-free innings with a positive intent.
Rahul achieved his sixth ODI century, marking his first against Pakistan. However, he was not originally planned to be included in the playing 11. He got the chance to play in place of Shreyas Iyer, who experienced back spasms minutes before the toss.
Rahul received a message from the India head coach Rahul Dravid, informing him that he would be playing the match.
Revealing an interesting incident, the 31-year-old told the broadcasters after the match that at the last minute, the manager had to run to the hotel to get his stuff.
“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,” Rahul told the Star Sports.
“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.
Rahul formed a partnership of 233* runs with Virat Kohli, who scored 122 off 94 balls. The duo helped India set a mammoth total of 356 runs, which they easily defended.