‘A pleasure to watch him bat’: Pathan hails KL Rahul’s composure in tricky chase

India’s KL Rahul (Image: PTI)

KL Rahul continues to underline his value to the Indian team with his ability to adapt to different match situations and deliver according to the demands of the game. In the rain-hit second ODI against New Zealand in Wellington, while wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Rahul held his composure and remained unbeaten until the contest was decided by the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, helping India secure a four-run victory.Rahul’s calm approach and ability to negotiate challenging conditions earned him praise from former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who took to X to appreciate the wicketkeeper-batter’s technique and temperament, particularly on difficult overseas pitches.“KL Rahul has to be one of the most comfortable Indian batters on difficult overseas pitches. The technique, the composure and the calmness he brings to the crease are simply outstanding. A pleasure to watch him bat,” Pathan wrote.

Rahul stands tall amid India’s batting collapse

India’s fast bowlers dominated the first innings, bowling New Zealand out for 134 in 41 overs. Auqib Nabi struck twice, including his maiden international wicket, while Gurnoor Brar removed Tom Latham and Glenn Phillips in a double-wicket maiden to leave the hosts reeling at 53/3.Daryl Mitchell top-scored with 55 off 104 balls, while Mitchell Santner contributed 31 as the pair added 59 runs for the sixth wicket. Brar finished with 4/30, while Nabi, Anshul Kamboj and Axar Patel picked up two wickets each.New Zealand fought back with the ball as Jacob Duffy dismissed Shubman Gill for a golden duck and Virat Kohli early in the chase. Kyle Jamieson further troubled India, reducing them to 47/4.Shreyas Iyer (30 off 46) and KL Rahul (26* off 38) attempted to rebuild the innings, but India slipped to 113/7 before rain interrupted play. With the visitors ahead on the DLS par score, India secured a four-run victory.