Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has praised KL Rahul for playing crucial innings during the team’s win over Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup Super Four stage. Rahul scored 39 runs in 44 balls on a difficult pitch and performed brilliantly behind the stumps in the second innings, helping India win by 41 runs. The wicketkeeper retained his place in the playing eleven after scoring a brilliant century against Pakistan as Shreyas Iyer suffered back spasms. After India lost three consecutive wickets, Rahul came to bat at number 5.
Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel that it seemed as if Rahul was batting on a different pitch due to the ease with which he was playing compared to other batsmen:
“Ishan Kishan’s partnership with Ishan Kishan was crucial. I hope I don’t jinx it, but KL Rahul is playing really really well. I hope he does not get injured or something. He is scoring runs in a sublime fashion and it did not look like he was playing on the same pitch as the other batters.”
Rahul’s brilliant innings came to an end courtesy of the explosive Dunit Velez. The left-arm spinner induced an easy dismissal which resulted in a simple return catch in the 30th over.
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“Rohit Sharma Played Brilliantly On A Sluggish Surface” – Harbhajan Singh
Team India captain Rohit Sharma was the top scorer of the match scoring 53 runs on 48 balls. When the ball was coming on the bat, he took full advantage of the new ball spell against the fast bowlers. Opener Kasun also reached the peak of 10,000 ODI runs by hitting a six off Rajitha. His innings ended when Dunit Wellalage’s delivery pitched low and broke his defense to knock down the stumps.
Harbhajan Singh praised Rohit Sharma’s efforts, saying:
“Rohit Sharma played brilliantly on a sluggish surface and looks in excellent touch ahead of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He played well against Pakistan and now against Sri Lanka as well.”
Team India has qualified for the final of the 2023 Asia Cup with a win over Sri Lanka on September 17. The Men in Blue will next face Bangladesh on Friday, September 15 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
