Seriously misplaced criticism: Aakash Chopra on KL Rahul’s slow innings in the first T20I

Ex-Indian opener and pundit Aakash Chopra lauded Indian opener Kl Rahul for his untraditional knock while still defending him, claiming that the criticisms were uncalled for and misdirected.

India took on the mighty proteas in the first T20 at Thiruvananthapuram. Rohit called it right at the toss as they fielded first.

The South African batters were rattled by the Indian pacers, making them wonder if the ball was attached to a string. The Greenfield stadium lived up to its name, as it sported a green top track where seamers feasted. South Africa’s batting struggled, with half of the team out for just 9 runs in the first six overs.

They came up with 106 runs, with Keshav Mahraj scoring an incredible 41.

KL Rahul plays patient knock to take India over the line in first T20I

When the Indians came to bat, the South African fast bowlers showed no mercy, striking twice in the opening seven overs. On a seaming track, the trio of Rabada, Nortje, and Parnell made life difficult for the batsmen.

They were quick to make use of the condition on offer and sent back Rohit Sharma and Kohli back into the pavillion for a score of Duck and three respectively.

This double blow brought immense pressure on the Indian batters. And it seemed as if they would crumble under it.

That is when Kl Rahul stood up to the task. Known for his striking prowess the player played a slow knock.

Through his presence on the crease he ensured playing out the seamers. That’s the deal with low-scoring games: the batters don’t have to worry about the scoreboard. He ended up scoring a slow knock of 51 runs off 56. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav, his batting partner, took the assault to the bowlers, scoring a 33-ball 50 and remaining unbeaten.