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"Made opposition look silly": KL Rahul mesmerised with Rohit-Kohli heroics in Ranchi

Akshita Patel

KL Rahul in awe of Rohit-Kohli [Source: @Akshu_Yadav4, @Kunal_KLR/X.com]KL Rahul in awe of Rohit-Kohli [Source: @Akshu_Yadav4, @Kunal_KLR/X.com]

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took centre stage at Ranchi with a 136-run partnership as India beat South Africa in the first ODI. Stand-in captain KL Rahul was mesmerised and admitted that the senior duo made the Proteas look silly.

Kohli played the lead role in India's 17-run win. The former captain smashed a superb 135 off 120 balls, bringing up his 52nd ODI century. Packed with confidence, timing, and power, his innings reminded one that class is permanent. 

KL Rahul admires Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli after Ranchi stand

Rohit Sharma, at the other end, provided the perfect support with a fluent 57. Together, they stitched a strong partnership and helped India reach a competitive total of 349. 

After the match, India's stand-in skipper, KL Rahul, couldn't hide his admiration. He openly admitted that watching Kohli and Rohit bat is not just impressive, it is fun, even for his own teammates to witness from the dressing room.

“Watching Rohit and Kohli play like that is always fun. They've made oppositions look silly and show why they are who they are. I've seen this for a long time — it's a lot more fun to see them around in the dressing room," Rahul said in post-match presentation.

Although India had posted a big score, the match was far from easy. The tailenders of South Africa never gave up and mounted a late onslaught that put India under pressure during the last few overs. KL Rahul admitted that his heart was racing as the match went down to the wire.

“I’d be lying if I said there were no butterflies in my stomach. We're playing ODI cricket after a while and there’s always expectation. But we kept taking wickets and the bowlers stuck to their plans. They pushed us and kept coming hard," he added.

Rahul opens up on being slotted at no. 6

That being said, KL Rahul also shared his thoughts on his own role. He batted below Washington Sundar at no. 6 in the first ODI and scored 60 off 56 balls.

Despite the demotion, Rahul said the change has helped him grow as a player. Instead of focusing on personal comfort, he is ready to do whatever the team needs. 

“Batting at No. 6 is okay, got to do the job for the team. That’s the role I’ve been given in the last 2–3 series. It’s helping personal development."

Overall, India may have won only the first game of the series, but one thing is clear: when Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are in full flow, they don't just score runs. They make the opposition look helpless. And that, as KL Rahul said, is a sight worth enjoying.