NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra commended the resilient performance of Indian middle-order batsman KL Rahul in the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday.
Chopra praised KL Rahul, acknowledging him as the "most trolled Indian cricketer in the last 12 months," for showcasing his batting prowess when it was most crucial in the high-stakes final.
"The most trolled Indian cricketer in the last 12 months is the man standing up for the team when it mattered the most. The World Cup final. Well played, Kamaal Lajwaab Rahul #IndvAus #CWC23Final," said Chopra.
In the span of 11 matches, Rahul showcased remarkable consistency by amassing 452 runs at an impressive average of 75.33 and a strike rate of 90.76. His contributions included a century and two half-centuries, with a top score of 102.
Rahul etched his name in history by achieving India's fastest World Cup century against the Netherlands, accomplishing the feat in just 62 balls.
Currently occupying the eighth position in the list of highest run-scorers in the tournament, he, alongside Shreyas Iyer (who amassed 530 runs at an average of 66.25 with two centuries and three fifties in 11 matches), emerged as the backbone of the Indian batting lineup.
KL has been in terrific form in ODIs this year as a middle-order batter. In 24 ODIs and 22 innings, he has scored 983 runs at an average of 70.21 at a strike rate of 88.63, with the best score of 111*. He has scored two centuries and six fifties this year.
Coming to the match, Australia opted to bowl first and bundled out India for 240 in 50 overs. On a tough batting surface, skipper Rohit Sharma (47 in 31 balls, with four boundaries and three sixes), Virat Kohli (54 in 63 balls, with four boundaries) and KL Rahul (66 in 107 balls, with one four) posted important knocks.
Mitchell Starc (3/55) was the pick of the bowlers for Australia. Skipper Pat Cummins (2/34) and Josh Hazlewood (2/60) also bowled well. Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell got a wicket each.
(With ANI Inputs)The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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