The rhythm with which KL Rahul has been batting of late augurs well to make him an automatic choice in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
Not just in the three T20Is versus the West Indies, but also in those against Bangladesh and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy thereafter, Rahul has been consistent with a very impressive strike rate that keeps him in good stead.
But more than his performance, it’s a much sought-after win for India batting first in the final T20I versus the West Indies on Wednesday, which matters for Rahul.
“Not only me, but you missed Virat (Kohli) also,” Rahul was quick to point out during the post-match presentation when asked about his 56-ball 91.
“Both of them (Rohit Sharma and Virat) were in destructive mood in this game. I’m very happy that we won the series and every game is important for us leading up to the T20 World Cup. It’s obvious that our batting first record hasn’t been that great. But this game was a great opportunity to make amends and we’re all very happy that it came off.
“This will give a lot of confidence and now we know what to do batting first. Each game will be important and a learning lesson for us before the World Cup,” Rahul stressed.
Talking about his own knock, Rahul said: “Like any other format, once you are set, you want to carry on and know what shots to play.
“Twenty20 has been kind and I try to do my best and play a role in my team’s results.”
During India’s defence of their 240-run total, Windies captain Kieron Pollard was looking dangerous even though he was running out of partners. But Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed him when it really mattered.
“It was quite a satisfying wicket for me. When Pollard is batting, you expect to go for a few boundaries, so it was satisfying to get him out after conceding 15 in the over,” said Bhuvneshwar.