So good to watch in full flow...: DC mentor Pietersen hails KL Rahul's century

ANI May 19, 2025 283 views

Kevin Pietersen praised KL Rahul's masterful century as Delhi Capitals set a competitive 199/3 against Gujarat Titans. Rahul's knock, his fifth in IPL history, came at a crucial time for DC's playoff ambitions. Pietersen emphasized the joy of watching Rahul dominate in full flow while acknowledging GT's strong top order. The match now hinges on DC's bowling attack defending their total.

"KL is so good to watch when in full flow... watching him put on a show is good to see." – Kevin Pietersen
New Delhi, May 18: Following his side's innings against Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC) mentor Kevin Pietersen hailed batter KL Rahul for his century, saying that he is great to watch while in full flow.

Key Points

1

KL Rahul's fifth IPL century boosts DC to 199/3

2

Pietersen highlights Rahul's top-order dominance

3

GT faces tough chase against DC's bowling attack

4

Playoff hopes hinge on DC defending 200

KL's century, his fifth in the IPL, helped DC to a competitive total against GT at their home ground of Arun Jaitley Stadium, as they seek the seventh win, which will make their playoffs progress much easier.

Speaking after the innings, Pietersen said, "It is tough sitting and watching the boys, especially in the pressure situation we got into ourselves. We started well, got into a wobble, but the break must have done good for us. KL wanted to bat at the top of the order, and he is so good to watch when in full flow. When you can see players of that quality, watch them practice and then watch them put on a show during the match is good to see."

"It is just half the job done though, the top-3 (of Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler) have done a superb job (for Gujarat Titans), but we have Mustafizur (Rahman) who joined us this morning, and Nattu (T Natrajan) as well back from injury. Do not think there is any dew as well. We spoke about getting a solid start, we were poor in that phase during the last few matches and we then solidified during the middle overs before exploding towards the end, 200 I think is a good target," he added.

Coming to the match, GT won the toss and opted to bowl first. After DC lost Faf Du Plessis early, a 90-run stand between KL Rahul and Abishek Porel (30 in 19 balls, with a four and three sixes) and cameos from skipper Axar Patel (25 in 16 balls, with two fours and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (21* in 10 balls, with two sixes) helped DC reach 199/3.

Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna and Arshad Khan got a wicket each.

Now, DC needs to defend 200 runs to get their seventh win of the season and make things easier for themselves going forward towards the playoffs.

Reader Comments

Here are 5 authentic Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rahul K.
KL Rahul is pure class! 🇮🇳 His timing and shot selection today were textbook perfect. As a Delhi fan, I'm so glad he's finally showing his full potential for DC. That cover drive off Prasidh was just 😍
P
Priya M.
While KL played brilliantly, I'm concerned about our bowling attack. 200 is good but GT's top order is dangerous. Mustafizur just joined today - will he be match ready? Hope Nattu's injury doesn't flare up again.
A
Arjun S.
KP's right - KL is magical when in flow! But why does he take so many matches to get going? If he showed this consistency earlier, DC wouldn't be struggling for playoffs now. Still, better late than never!
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Sneha R.
That partnership with Porel was crucial! Youngsters learning from experienced players like KL is what IPL is all about. Hope DC can defend this - we need more Indian teams in playoffs! 💙
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Vikram J.
As a neutral fan, I just enjoy watching KL bat. His century had everything - patience at start, calculated risks, and those glorious sixes! Hope he carries this form to T20 World Cup. Indian cricket needs this version of KL!

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