Indian batter KL Rahul, who made his return to cricket after a long-injury break, smashed a brilliant century in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash in Colombo. Rahul, who last played in competitive match in May, completed his ton in run-a-ball and looked really comfortable against both pacer and spinners.
KL Rahul & Virat Kohli powers India to 356
KL Rahul brought up his 6th ODI century in 47th over with a double. He got a good support from Virat Kohli who completed his 47th ton in the next over and also completed 13000 runs in ODIs. The duo stitched up an unbeaten 233-run partnership to power India to 356/2 in 50 overs.
Rahul, Virat came to crease after Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill’s dismissal. The duo started cautiously before rain interrupted the play and forced the game to reserve day.
However, the restart on Monday saw KL Rahul with an aggressive intent as he took on spinners.
It was a frustrating few months for KL Rahul, who had to go through multiple injuries and rehabilation before making a comeback.
KL Rahul Injury Timeline
- November 2021 – Thigh Strain: KL Rahul was ruled out of the two-match Test series against New Zealand in November due to a left thigh strain.
- February 2021 – Hamstring: KL Rahul missed the T20 series against West Indies after suffering a left hamstring injury.
- February 2021 – Hamstring: He failed to recover in time and missed the T20 against Sri Lanka.
- March 2021 – Hamstring: The hamstring injury also ruled him out of the Test series against Sri Lanka.
- January 2021 – Wrist: KL Rahul missed the Test series in Australia after suffering a wrist injury during practice.
- June 2022 – Groin: KL Rahul missed the South Africa series and England tour with a persistent groin injury.
- May 2023 – Thigh: Rahul missed IPL 2023, World Test Championship Final 2023 and India tour of West Indies after suffering an injury on May 1.
- July 2023: On track to recovery, starts batting and keeping practice at the NCA.
- August 2023: KL Rahul faces a setback in recovery and fails a fitness test. His setback is termed as niggle. But he makes it to the Asia Cup 2023 squad. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar claims he is doubtful for the first two games of Asia Cup.
- September 2023: Returns to Team India XI for IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash.
KL Rahul should play every match: Gautam Gambhir
Former Indian cricket Gautam Gambhir lauded KL Rahul for a stunning innings and suggested that the wicketkeeper batter needs to play every match if he is in the scheme for the World Cup 2023.
“We shouldn’t judge KL Rahul after each game. He’s coming after a long lay off. If he’s in the scheme of things for the World Cup, he should play every match”, Gambhir said on Star Sports.
