In the oppressive humidity of Colombo, a cricketing spectacle unfolded that left spectators and fans around the world stunned. While Day 1 of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 clash saw Rohit and Shubman dominating Shaheen and Co, the reserve day belonged to Virat Kohli and KL Rahul who put on a record 233-run partnership to power India to 356/2 in 50 overs. But in doing so, the two batters put up a fitness spectacle.
It was not just KL-Kohli’s classy shots that contributed to the spectacular partnership. It was their athletic speed, stamina, and fitness that stunned the fans and shocked the opposition in the Asia Cup 2023 clash.
Asia Cup 2023: A running masterclass
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul recorded the highest partnership in the Asia Cup history with their unbeaten 233-run marathon. However, doubles and three runs were the order of the day, and the duo’s sprinting for extra runs was nothing short of electrifying. Every time the ball hit the bat, it seemed like an opportunity to dash between the wickets.
Post the start on reserve day, KL Rahul didn’t take much time and took the role of aggressor, while Virat Kohli just looked for the gap and extra runs. The 34-year-old, who is known for setting fitness standards in world cricket, at some point pushed KL Rahul to limits while stealing runs. However, Rahul, who returned to cricket after a long break due to a hamstring injury, went toe to toe with Kohli’s pace.
A Star Sports analysis showed how quick KL Rahul and Virat Kohli ran to convert ones into twos and so on in the Asia Cup 2023 clash.
KL Rahul, despite playing his first match after rehabilitation, sprinted at a remarkable 29 km/h, proving that is completly fit. Virat Kohli, on the other hand, showed an astonishing speed of 31 km/h.
The pair hit a total of 21 boundaries and 5 sixes, and scored over 110 runs while running between the wickets in the Asia Cup 2023 clash.
Virat Kohli’s 122-run knock saw him completing 68 runs through running. Meanwhile, KL Rahul scored 60 runs by taking singles and doubles.
Virat Kohli’s innings vs PAK
- Runs: 122*
- Singles: 18
- Doubles: 15
- 4s: 9
- 6s: 3
KL Rahul’s innings vs PAK
- Runs: 111*
- Singles: 39
- Doubles: 6
- 4s: 12
- 6s: 2
The highlight of their partnership was the 32nd over of Shaheen Afridi, where the pair completed 3 consecutive doubles without much fuss.
Faster than Ronaldo?
Comparisons to football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, who is known for his lightning-fast sprints, were inevitable. Ronaldo has consistently clocked speeds upwards of 33 km/h during his matches, and while Kohli and Rahul’s speeds were impressive, they fell just short of the football legend’s pace.
However, the fact that Kohli and Rahul even came close to matching Ronaldo’s speed showed how they are pushing the boundaries of fitness in cricket.
So, are Kohli and Rahul faster than Ronaldo? Not quite, but they are certainly giving him a run for his money on the cricket field.
