“Should I then sit out?” KL Rahul said when asked if Virat Kohli should open in T20Is. When asked if Virat Kohli should open for India in T20Is. After his brilliant century against Afghanistan, KL Rahul w not pleased.
Virat Kohli finally got his 71st international century when he registered his first T20I century against Afghanistan in India’s final Super 4 match of the ongoing Asia Cup on Thursday at Dubai International Stadium. As Rohit Sharma rested for this dead rubber, Kohli came out to open the batting alongside stand-in skipper KL Rahul. Rahul and Kohli put on a 119-run opening stand, with Rahul scoring 62 off 41 balls.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar took five wickets to help India defeat Afghanistan by 101 runs.
After the game, KL Rahul ask by a journalist at a press conference whether Kohli can be consider an opening batter after his performance against Afghanistan and for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
Kohli has five IPL centuries, all of which have come while opening the batting for RCB.
Rahul responded to this question by saying: “What is the meaning of khud beth jaun? (What’s the big deal? Should I abstain?)”
Also Read: Pakistan Pacer’s Wild Celebration Following Back-to-Back Sixes Against Afghanistan
Rahul went on to say that finding Kohli’s touch was important for the team, but he can also score runs from No.3.
“Obviously, Virat scoring runs is a huge bonus for the team, and I know he is very pleased with how he batted today against Afghanistan. He’s been working on his game, and it paid off today. As a team, it is critical that each player get time out in the middle “Rahul stated.
“You gain confidence after playing 2-3 innings, and I’m glad he was able to do so. You all know Virat Kohli; you’ve been watching him for years. It’s not like he can only score centuries if he bats first; if he bats at No.3, he can also score centuries. It’s all about roles and what role a particular player plays “He continued.
“The role Virat had today, he played it beautifully. In the next series we play, his role would be different,” he added.
Kohli’s innings in the clash against Afghanistan was studded with 12 fours and 6 sixes. With this century, he brought up his first international ton since November 2019. After bringing up the landmark, there was visible relief on the former Indian skipper’s face.
“Obviously, Virat’s celebration was more of a relief. There has been no change in his mindset, attitude, and work ethic in the last 2-3 years. There has been no difference in the way he prepares for the game. He has always had that desire. I think we are also very obsessed with numbers, obsessed with those three digits, and we think, if someone is scoring hundreds, then only he is in form,” Rahul said.
“As a player, you always want to be perfect or challenge yourself towards excellency, and he has always been that player,” he continued. “Even during this phase, he has remained in the moment and worked on his game, and that has been a learning for our entire group.”
“In that locker room, none of us are surprised to see what he has done today; I am sure this will give him even more confidence; he will obviously cherish this hundred, and this will build a great confidence around the group as well,” he added.
Also Read: Ex-BCCI Selector Discusses Ravindra Jadeja Challenges in Returning From Injury