India v Sri Lanka: They put up good battle, says KL Rahul on Sri Lanka bowlers’ effort at Eden Gardens

KL Rahul heaped reward on Sri Lanka bowlers for troubling India’s top-order within the second ODI on the Eden Gardens. India beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets to safe the sequence.

New Delhi ,UPDATED: Jan 12, 2023 22:19 IST

KL Rahul helped India win 2nd ODI towards Sri Lanka. (AP Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul lauded Sri Lanka bowlers’ effort within the second ODI, saying the guests put up battle on the Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Sri Lanak troubled India’s top-order, lowering the hosts to 62/3 earlier than Rahul walked in and performed a match-winning knock of 64 not out. Rahul’s composed innings helped India beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets and safe the three-match sequence 2-0.

“I won’t say it was a flat wicket, or it was doing a lot that it was impossible to bat. When Sri Lanka started, I thought it was a 280-300 wicket. But our bowlers bowled really well to keep them to 220-odd. But they (Sri Lanka) put up a good fight, got early breakthroughs to put us under pressure,” Rahul stated after the match.

Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav shared six wickets to bundle out Sri Lanka for a below-par complete of 215 inside 40 overs. In reply, Rahul fashioned a quick stand with Shreyas Iyer earlier than Hardik Pandya joined Rahul to see off the storm.

“I had a good partnership with Shreyas and Hardik. We always try to find a way to win, and it was nice to cross the line in the end,” Rahul added.

When requested about batting at quantity 5, Rahul stated that India captain Rohit Sharma had made it clear to him that he wished him to bat at quantity 5.

“The good thing about batting at No. 5 is you don’t have to rush. You can take a shower, put your feet up and watch the game. But I always think what team needs of me. If you can read the situation when you go in, it helps you and team,” Rahul stated.

“Batting at No. 5 has helped me understand my game better. At No. 5 you have to face spin straightaway; I like ball coming onto the bat but Rohit has been pretty clear that he wants me to bat at No. 5, so that’s what I am trying to do.”

Published On:

Jan 12, 2023