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KL Rahul Explains 'Shocked Reaction' After Finishing With A Six vs Australia

image-lnikf32xKL Rahul after hitting a six to seal the game [Twitter]

KL Rahul explained why he reacted in shock and slight bemusement despite hitting the much-celebrated winning six in India's ICC World Cup 2023 opener against Australia in Chennai on Sunday (October 8).

The Indian No.5, who batted with great solidity, calmness and assurance for his unbeaten 97 after India collapsed to 3 for 2 in a tricky chase of 200, was on his haunches and didn't look overly pleased to have timed an extra cover drive off Pat Cummins to perfection for a maximum with only five runs required. 

Rahul later revealed he had his eyes set on a memorable World Cup century once the game was firmly in India's grasp and the Aussies had given up. Batting on 91*, the Karnataka right-hander realised the only way he could get to his century was to hit a boundary first up and equalise the scores before taking India over the line with a maximum.

The 31-year-old was merely looking to chip the full-pitched delivery from Cummins over the in-field for four runs. However, he ended up connecting the ball so cleanly that it sailed over the ropes for a six which concluded the Indian chase with Rahul left stranded on 97 not out. 

'I Hit It Too Well' - Rahul On Winning Six Against Australia 

Speaking about the amusing incident at the post-match presentation ceremony after receiving the 'Player of the Match' award, Rahul said he was calculating in his head how he could raise his bat for a century in the end and therefore felt a touch disappointed to have timed his stroke too well. 

"I hit it too well, I just calculated how to get to a 100 in the end. The only way was a four and a six, but no qualms on not getting to that hundred. I will get it some other time," Rahul told the broadcasters about his winning six. 

India were in deep mud when Rahul joined Virat Kohli at the crease. The two limited-overs giants then aced the tricky nature of the conditions during their magnificent fourth-wicket partnership of 165, with the great Kohli producing another masterclass knock of 85 in a run-chase and his younger teammate dominating and propelling the team through.