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Regular-article-logo Thursday, 25 April 2024

Rahul then, Rahul now

Kohli said that KL Rahul would continue with his wicketkeeping duties as it allows team India more options

Our Correspondent Bangalore Published 19.01.20, 10:26 PM
Virat Kohi on Sunday

Virat Kohi on Sunday (PTI Photo)

Virat Kohli termed the come-from-behind series victory against Australia as “satisfying” and felt “experience” did count in the end.

The India captain also said that KL Rahul would continue with his wicketkeeping duties as it allows the team more options. “It definitely allows us to play an extra batsman which strengthens our batting massively. That is a very important factor as far as the team balance is concerned,” Virat said on Sunday.

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“If you look at the 2003 World Cup where Rahul bhai (Dravid) kept (wickets), the balance became different because you could play an extra batsman and guys at the top could really play positive cricket… He (KL) is very open to playing anywhere because he is a proper batsman and will do you good in any format and any position in the game.

“He won’t go slam bang from the first ball, but he can do what he did in Rajkot… Just playing good cricketing shots... So I think a solid game plan and understanding of his game is helping.

“He has reflected on what he needs to do in the last five-six months and he has come a long way. Good signs for us... Gives a boost to the team because he keeps as well,” Virat remarked.

“Rahul really brings in good balance… He has come into the slot and he has done well, so we will have to persist with that a little bit and see where that takes us and not necessarily be confused about the other options we have.

“I think lack of clarity in terms of positions has really hurt us in the past. Now that we understand this feels right, we will go ahead with it for a while and figure out if this is the right thing to do or not…. Don’t see any reason why we should change this balance.”

Virat also complimented Rohit Sharma’s 119 off 128 balls. “We are quite experienced players, and we were one short in the form of Shikhar (Dhawan) today. We got a very good start, and when KL got out, it was a tricky situation because the ball was turning and gripping.

“We had to play deep, and this is how we have played in the last 4-5 years. This is why experience helps. It’s quite enjoyable batting with Rohit, but more importantly, a comprehensive win.

“Australia were even better than last time. There’s Steve (Smith), David (Warner) and Marnus (Labuschagne). A quality bowling attack and they are intense in the field too.

“We lost the last three in the last series, and coming back and winning the last two games after losing the first one, is very satisfying. We just want to go upwards and onwards.”

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