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Aakash Chopra Praises KL Rahul's Dhoni-Esque Finishing in Tense ODI Win

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra heaped praise on KL Rahul for his match-winning, unbeaten knock in the first ODI against New Zealand. Chopra highlighted Rahul's smart approach, where he initially played cautiously with the lower order before exploding in the final overs to seal the victory. He emphasized Rahul's versatility, noting his ability to adapt to different roles in the team, from opener to wicketkeeper. Most notably, Chopra compared Rahul's composure and control during the tense chase to the legendary finishing skills of MS Dhoni.

Key Points: Aakash Chopra Hails KL Rahul's Finishing & Versatility in ODI

  • Rahul's unbeaten 29 guided India to a 4-wicket win
  • Chopra praised his calmness and intelligent chase pacing
  • Highlighted Rahul's versatility across batting and wicketkeeping roles
  • Compared his death-over composure to legendary finisher MS Dhoni
3 min read

Aakash Chopra hails KL Rahul's finishing, versatility after 1st India vs New Zealand ODI

Aakash Chopra lauds KL Rahul's intelligent, match-winning knock against NZ, comparing his death-over control to MS Dhoni's finishing prowess.

"In these death overs, controlling the chase so well, controlling the nerves almost like Dhoni, hats off to KL Rahul. - Aakash Chopra"

Mumbai, January 12

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded India's wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul's versatility and finishing ability after his unbeaten 29-run knock, which guided India to a four-wicket victory in a tense chase during the first game of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Sunday.

Chasing 301, India faced a scare as they were reduced to 242/5, when India all-rounder Harshit Rana joined KL Rahul at the crease.

Rahul, playing cautiously, stitched a 37-run innings with Rana, letting the all-rounder do the bulk of the scoring while he made sure that New Zealand didn't get his wicket, as that would have given the opposition a chance to get to the Indian tail.

After Rana's wicket, Rahul stitched a 27-run partnership with Washington Sundar, scoring most of the runs himself.

Rahul resisted big shots until the 49th over. With India requiring 12 off the last 12 balls, Rahul put his foot on the pedal and scored back-to-back boundaries and then followed it up with a six in the last three balls of the penultimate over, guiding Team India to a win.

Speaking on JioStar, Aakash Chopra praised KL Rahul's calm and intelligent knock, highlighting his versatility, ability to pace the chase, and composure under pressure. He compared Rahul's control in the death overs to MS Dhoni, lauding him for excelling in the finisher's role.

"KL Rahul's batting approach in this first ODI against New Zealand was interesting. We know him as an aggressive player. But here, with Harshit Rana and an injured Washington Sundar batting with him, he was different. Many times you think he will accelerate and finish the match quickly with a big shot, but he took his time. The first ball he hit in the 49th over wasn't a boundary ball, but he found the boundary. He has the ability of finding the boundaries easily and He hits his shots when he wants," said the JioStar expert Aakash Chopra

"He was taking singles off balls he usually hits, but he waited for the right chances. In a different way, his versatility is his biggest quality. Ask him to open, keep the wickets, or be the stand-in captain, he will do it. He just hasn't bowled yet, that is pending. In these death overs, controlling the chase so well, controlling the nerves almost like Dhoni, hats off to KL Rahul. He is excelling at the toughest role in modern cricket - The finisher," he added further.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living abroad, it's great to see such intelligent analysis. Comparing his composure to Dhoni is a huge compliment, and Rahul is earning it. He makes chasing look easy, even when it's tense.
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Priya S
Honestly, I was getting a bit frustrated watching him take singles when we needed runs. But in hindsight, his game sense was brilliant. He knew Rana and Sundar could get out any moment. He protected them and finished the job himself. Respect! 🙏
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Vikram M
The versatility point is key. Opener, middle-order, keeper, captain... he does it all without fuss. That selfless attitude is what Team India needs. Hope he stays fit for the World Cup.
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Rohit P
While I agree he played well, let's not get carried away with the Dhoni comparisons just yet. MSD did this for over a decade. KL is fantastic and on a great path, but he needs to do this consistently in big tournaments to be in that league. Just my two paise.
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Ananya R
That six in the 49th over was pure timing! No wild swing, just a clean hit. He's so elegant to watch. So happy he's back in form after his injury. More power to you, KL! 💥

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