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Ravi Shastri, Ian Smith Hail KL Rahul's Match-Winning Century vs New Zealand

Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri praised KL Rahul's incredible century, crediting him for turning the game around after India found themselves at 118/4. Commentator Ian Smith lauded Rahul as a mature and versatile cricketer who knows exactly when to accelerate his innings. Rahul's unbeaten 112 from 92 balls was crucial in setting a competitive total against New Zealand. His outstanding record against New Zealand, averaging 93.8 in ODIs, underscores his consistent performance against this opponent.

Key Points: KL Rahul's 112* vs NZ Praised by Ravi Shastri, Ian Smith

  • Rahul scored 112* off 92 balls
  • Came in at 118/4 to rebuild innings
  • Praised for maturity and smart shot selection
  • Key partnership with Ravindra Jadeja
  • Boasts superb ODI average of 93.8 vs NZ
2 min read

Ravi Shastri, Ian Smith hail KL Rahul's incredible hundred against New Zealand in 2nd ODI

Ravi Shastri and Ian Smith laud KL Rahul's brilliant 112* in 2nd ODI. Analysis of his crucial partnership with Jadeja and his record vs NZ.

"He's a very mature cricketer. He handles the situation well. - Ian Smith"

Rajkot, January 15

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri and Ian Smith heaped praise on India's star batter KL Rahul after he slammed his 8th ODI ton against New Zealand in the second ODI on Wednesday.

Shastri praised Rahul's incredible innings, saying he deserves full credit for turning things around for India after coming to bat at 118/4, with the pitch slowing down and the ball getting softer, but he and Ravindra Jadeja built a crucial partnership from scratch.

"When he came, it wasn't easy. To do it the way he did, I think full credit. He came at number five today, but India were 118 for four at one stage when Virat got out. The pitch had slowed up a bit. The ball was a little older and softer, and two newcomers had come to the crease. Jadeja and he were both on zero, you know, when that partnership started. And then once he reached about 30 or 40, you could see the fluency. He started opening up and played some terrific shots, " Ravi Shastri said in a video posted by BCCI on Instagram.

Smith also lauded Rahul as a mature and smart cricketer who handles situations well. He highlighted Rahul's versatility, having batted in various positions, and his ability to know exactly when to accelerate.

"He's a very mature cricketer. He handles the situation well. Seen him open so many times. Seen him bat at six and we've seen him bat in between. He's a very smart cricketer, and he's got all the shots, and he knows exactly when to release the brakes," Ian Smith said.

Rahul entered the crease when India was three down for 115 and soon witnessed Virat Kohli's stump removed for 23. However, KL carried on for almost 30 overs, scoring a brilliant 112* in 92 balls, with 12 fours and a six at a strike rate of 121.74.

He has a fine record against NZ in ODIs, having made 469 runs in 10 innings at an average of 93.8, with an SR of over 111 with two centuries and a fifty. His best score is 112*.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Ian Smith's point about him being a "smart cricketer" is spot on. You can see him thinking his way through the innings. He doesn't just rely on power, he uses his brain. That strike rate of 121 after starting on zero is phenomenal game management.
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Priya S
His average of 93.8 against New Zealand is just insane! He truly owns that bowling attack. So happy for him after all the ups and downs. Hope he carries this form into the World Cup later this year. 🤞
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Rohit P
While the hundred was brilliant, let's not forget Jadeja's role. That partnership was gold. But yes, KL's acceleration after 30-40 runs was the difference between a good total and a winning one. Perfect example of a modern ODI innings.
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Michael C
Respectfully, I think we sometimes overpraise innings based on the situation. It was a great knock, no doubt, but the real test will be doing this consistently in high-pressure tournaments. Hope he can become that reliable finisher we need.
K
Kavya N
Shastri sir's analysis is always so precise. "He started opening up after 30-40" – that's exactly what happened! His versatility is his biggest strength. Can open, can keep wickets, can bat at 5. Team India is lucky to have him.

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