3 Best Knocks Of KL Rahul In T20Is

KL Rahul [X]KL Rahul [X]

The last one and a half years have been a rocky ride for KL Rahul as far as international cricket is concerned. He has faced injuries, been dropped from the T20I scheme of things, and has often been criticised for his batting approach. However, there has been no doubt in anyone’s mind that KL Rahul is one of the most talented next-gen Indian batters. 

In his career, which has been full of ups and downs, KL Rahul has played some brilliant knocks for the Indian team. Here, we will take a look at the three best knocks of KL Rahul in T20Is. 

3. 57 off 28 vs South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati in 2022

This innings came in the second game of the three-match T20I series in 2022 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. It came at a time when KL was heavily criticised for his low strike rate in the shortest format of international cricket. He came out to open the innings for India and blasted 57 runs off just 28 deliveries, setting the stage for a huge total. While Kohli and Rohit also contributed in the match, KL’s knock was the catalyst that got India going. 

Later in the innings, Suryakumar Yadav played a blinder of 61 from 22 deliveries and helped India to a massive total of 237/3 in 20 overs. The Indian bowlers managed to restrict South Africa to 221/3 in their 20 overs despite a valiant 106 off 47 by David Miller. India won the game by 16 runs and gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

2. 101*(54) vs England at Old Trafford, Manchester in 2018

KL Rahul's 101* (54) vs England at Old Trafford [X]KL Rahul's 101* (54) vs England at Old Trafford [X]

In the first of the three-match T20I series, India was under pressure while chasing 160 after losing Shikhar Dhawan early. KL Rahul walked out to bat at this stage and played a fluent knock that took the pressure off Rohit Sharma, who was struggling to find his rhythm at the opposite end. Rahul scored 101 off 54 and ensured that India won the match by eight wickets with ten balls remaining in the game. This knock by KL was a testament to his composure and temperament under pressure. 

1.110* (51) vs West Indies at Lauderhill, Florida in 2016

KL Rahul's 110* (51) vs West Indies at Lauderhill [X]KL Rahul's 110* (51) vs West Indies at Lauderhill [X]

This knock by KL Rahul is not only one of the best played by him in T20Is but is one of the best in India’s T20I history. India were tasked with chasing 246 in this game at Lauderhill in the USA. Though Rohit Sharma (62 off 28) looked in good form, India were struggling after losing Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli when KL walked into bat. 

KL looked in sublime touch from ball one and creamed the West Indian bowlers to all the corners of the ground. He scored 110 off 51 deliveries and took India to the doorstep of a memorable win. However, MS Dhoni (43 off 25), who also played a decent knock with the bat, failed to execute a slice of the last delivery of the match when India needed two runs to win off one ball. Marlon Samuels caught MSD at short third man as India lost the game by a single run. It might be one of the best knocks in the history of cricket that has ended on the wrong side of the result.