After playing the T20I series as an opener, Kl Rahul was handed over the role of a No. 5 batter n the first ODI. In Hamilton, the in-form Rahul showed that he can score runs from any given position. At the end of India’s innings at 347, the 27-year old remained unbeaten at 88 off 64 balls that included three fours and six sixes. Also, Shreyas Iyer slammed a maiden ODI century.
In addition, Iyer has ended the debate of who will take over the number four spot in the team. Iyer stitched a partnership of 136-run with Rahul to led the team in a spectacular way.
Interestingly, in the post-match conference, the youngster Iyer revealed the conversation between him and Rahul who came out all guns blazing. After Rahul hit Kiwis bowlers without any fuss, it forced Iyer to ask Rahul, “Are you seeing the ball like a football?”.
Below is the clip of the same in which Shreyas Iyer asks KL Rahul about his batting:
The story of KL Rahul's last few months ⚽#NZvIND pic.twitter.com/FZ1JhKhHHh
— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) February 5, 2020
He further went on to praise Rahul’s batting. He said that there is a lot to learn from versatile cricketer.
KL Rahul has been batting magnificently well. He has been in tremendous touch and there is a lot to learn from him as a batsman, the way he plans his innings and takes on the bowlers.” he added further.
However, India could not defend its target. New Zealand batter Ross Taylor and Tom Latham delivered from front to chase down 348 with four wickets in hand. The stand-in captain Latham scored a vital 69 to put the Black Caps in the driver’s seat. While Taylor’s unbeaten knock of 109 off 84 led the team to the finishing point.
Despite suffering a resounding defeat at the Seddon Park in Hamilton in the first ODI on Wednesday, India had a handful of positives to derive out of it. Virat Kohli’s men will play the do or die match on 8th February in Auckland.