'Virat Said Play Like Test Cricket...': KL Rahul Reveals How Kohli's Advise Was Pivotal for His Match-winning 97*

KL Rahul continued his good run of form since making his international return last month when he smashed a century against Pakistan during the Asia Cup. His latest exploits with the bat saw India beat Australia in their IC Cricket World Cup 2023 opener on Sunday.

When Rahul walked in to bat, India were in trouble having lost three wickets for just 2 runs in chase of 200. Then he saw Virat Kohli getting a life on 12 when a simple catch of his was dropped by Mitchell Marsh.

Considering how the pitch had played during the day and with India having lost Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer in two overs, the hosts needed a big partnership.

Rahul and Kohli did just that as the pair began the repair work.

When asked what was the conversation, Rahul revealed Kohli advised him to treat the contest as a Test match for a while since the pitch was still assisting the bowlers.

“Quite honestly not a lot of conversation, I thought I’d get a good shower and get a break. I was just trying to get my breath back. Virat said there’s a bit in the wicket, so play like Test cricket for a while,” Rahul said after the match.

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The duo added 165 runs for the fourth wicket and the partnership was broken when Kohli was dismissed on 85.

Rahul though remained unbeaten on 97 to finish the game.

There was a bit of help for the pacers with the new ball, and then the spinners also. In the last 15-20 overs, dew played a part and that helped quite a bit. The ball also skidded on better. However, it was a bit two-paced, it wasn’t the easiest of wickets to bat on and it wasn’t flat as well. It was a good cricket wicket, bit for the batters and the bowlers,” said Rahul.

Rahul was on 91 when India needed five runs to win. He decided to hit a four and then possibly go for a maximum to get to his century.

As it turned out, Rahul ended up hitting an outside off delivery over extra covers for a six which left him a little disappointed. “I hit it too well, I just calculated how to get to a 100 in the end. The only way was a four and a six, but no qualms on not getting to that hundred,” he said.