Top 3 Knocks By KL Rahul In ODI Cricket

image-lq7yq4qmKL Rahul in action [X.Com]

Not many know that KL Rahul was the first Indian men's cricketer to score a century on his ODI debut. Rahul has been a special talent ever since bursting onto the international scene in 2014. He is currently in the form of his life, doing everything the Indian team management has asked of him, and delivering on all fronts.

The intro

Shifting positions in the batting order, whether as a wicketkeeper-batsman or as an opening batter or even taking on the leadership role, Rahul has consistently delivered. Following his exclusion from the Test team, Rahul has shown great determination to establish himself in the limited-overs format. In his brief ODI career, he has played crucial innings and is now considered a key player at the long-term No. 5 position for the Indian team. 

His versatility has consistently translated into impactful performances. After facing exclusion from the Test team, Rahul worked really hard to carve his niche in the limited-overs format.

A turning point materialized during the ODI series against Australia in January 2020 when an injury to Rishabh Pant necessitated Rahul's role behind the stumps. Ever since that series, Rahul hasn't looked back. If not in Tests or T20Is, he has managed to secure his spot in ODIs, becoming the number one choice wicketkeeper-batter for the team.

In the recently concluded 2023 World Cup, the right-handed batter showed his class by accumulating a total of 452 runs across 11 games. This impressive feat, featuring a century and two half-centuries, didn't escape the attention of selectors, leading to his noteworthy appointment as captain for the upcoming three ODIs in South Africa. Before the series begins, let's take a look at Rahul's top three innings in ODI cricket.

Top 3 ODI knocks by KL Rahul

111* vs Pakistan (2023)

image-lq7xzv17Rahul's comeback hundred against Pakistan was memorable. (AP)

Comebacks are never easy, and when you're making a comeback against arch-rivals Pakistan in a multi-nation event like the Asia Cup, you're going to be under a lot of pressure. However, responding to challenges is what Rahul has done throughout his career to date.

Making a comeback in the international arena nearly after six months, Rahul was on the sidelines for the group-stage games due to insufficient recovery time. Initially benched for the all-important Pakistan game, an injury to Shreyas Iyer provided Rahul with an opportunity in the middle order.

Despite concerns about match fitness, Rahul showcased his class against arch-rivals. Seizing the chance, he notched up his sixth ODI century after entering the fray at 123, following the dismissals of openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.

Partnering with Kohli, Rahul aggressively tackled the Pakistan bowlers on the reserve day, consistently hitting boundaries. In the 47th over, he reached his century off 100 balls, concluding unbeaten with 111 runs off 106 deliveries, featuring 12 fours and two sixes.

97* vs Australia (2023)

image-lq7xyxpsRahul was India's savior in Chennai. (AP)

It was the first game of the 2023 World Cup for India in Chennai, and India was under a lot of pressure. Chasing 200, Rahul came to the crease when India was in all sorts of trouble at 2/3. The trio of Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer recorded respective ducks, and Australia was truly on top when Rahul joined forces with Virat Kohli. The Aussies had a firm grip on the match until Rahul partnered with Kohli.

Rahul and Kohli adopted a patient and measured approach, countering the Aussie threat and alleviating the concerns of Indian fans. They complemented each other effectively, taking on bowlers like Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell while rotating the strike skillfully against the pacers. 

Despite Kohli missing out on a century and being caught at short mid-wicket for 85, Rahul continued to anchor the innings. He remained unbeaten on 97* as India secured victory with six wickets and 52 balls to spare. While he narrowly missed a World Cup century, Rahul's innings was nothing short of extraordinary given the challenging circumstances.

This innings also stands as Rahul's highest ODI score against Australia, with his exceptional knock of 97* featuring eight fours and two sixes.

111 vs Sri Lanka (2019)

image-lq7xy3cgRahul smashed his maiden World Cup ton against Sri Lanka. (ICC)

It's the dream of every cricketer to participate in the World Cup and perform well. For a batter, the experience becomes even more special when they score a century, and what's even better is if it comes in a winning cause, especially away from home in challenging conditions.

Rahul showcased his skills during the league game against Sri Lanka at Leeds. He seized the opportunity to open in the ICC World Cup, stepping in for the injured Shikhar Dhawan.

Rahul's first century in ODI World Cups came against Sri Lanka, who posted a total of 264/7 in 50 overs while batting first. The Indian opener played a remarkable innings, scoring 111 runs from 118 balls, featuring 11 boundaries and one six. This pivotal knock played a crucial role as the Men in Blue successfully chased down 265 runs with almost six overs to spare.