Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin heaped praise on KL Rahul for batting brilliantly in the middle order. The wicketkeeper-batter staged an outstanding comeback, smashing a stunning century against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four stage clash. He amassed 111 off 106 deliveries, including 12 fours and two maximums.
Following Rahul’s sensational knock, Ashwin stated that he gives stability with the bat in the middle-order. The 36-year-old also stated that MS Dhoni had been outstanding in the middle-order and is not drawing Rahul with the former India skipper.
“KL Rahul is giving us that stability with the bat in the middle-order. That’s why batting in the middle-order is really difficult. MS Dhoni nailed that art. However, I am not at all comparing KL Rahul with MS Dhoni. Plus, he did a different role of batting at number 6/7 compared to KL Rahul,” Ashwin was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Ashwin went on to say that the 31-year-old is mastering his role. He also praised the wicketkeeper-batter for his performance in the second group stage match against Sri Lanka. Notably, India went on to win the game by 41 runs and advanced to the final of the continental championship.
“But I feel he is slowly mastering his role perfectly. He put a partnership with Ishan Kishan initially against Sri Lanka too. When Dunith Wellalage was in a great rhythm, KL Rahul left it alone for two deliveries. That was a very good sign. It showed us that he had a good game plan,” the veteran added.
Rohit Sharma and Co. await their opponents in the summit clash of the Asia Cup, as either Sri Lanka or Pakistan will face the Men in Blue for the title. The clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka began on Thursday in Colombo. Rain played spoilsport as it was shortened to a 45-over clash. Meanwhile, India will take on Bangladesh in their final Super Four stage clash in the ongoing tournament.
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