India’s KL Rahul scored a century against England in the second ODI of the ongoing three-match series in Pune.
Rahul, who was under the scrutiny of cricket experts and fans during the T20I series, played a crucial knock in the first ODI to signal his return to run-scoring form. He carried the momentum forward with a great knock in the second match on Friday and performed a unique “shut out the noise” celebration after reaching the three-figure mark.
Paavam KL Rahul No Offence CR: Twitter. #klrahul #viratkohli #rohitsharma. KL Rahul Asks Twitter If He Should 'Keep Or Cut' His Hair, Gets Bizarre Replies Posting a picture of himself, KL Rahul asked Twitterati for advice on whether or not to cut his hair but would not. KL Rahul’s bad time started when he and his teammate Hardik Pandya appeared on the chat show Koffee with Karan Johar hosted by Karan Johar. On the show, Hardik Pandya made some insulting comments towards the women community and after the episode was aired, there was a huge uproar against the two cricketers. As soon as KL Rahul posted the tweet wishing Hardik Pandya, netizens started flooding Twitter with 'Koffee memes and trolls'. To provide context, last year, KL Rahul was present on a chat show alongside his close friend, Hardik Pandya. 1 day ago KL Rahul and Chris Gayle remained unbeaten on 60 and 43 runs, respectively. For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Fifth ODI 💯 for Kamal La Jawab @klrahul11.
What a comeback this has been from the classy @klrahul11 after a tough T20I series. #INDvENG#KLRahul#NitinChaudharipic.twitter.com/2FHV9sjvMG
— Nitin Chaudhari (@NitinC_Official) March 26, 2021
“It is self-explanatory. It is just to shut out the noise; no disrespect to anyone. There are people out there who try to pull you down and criticise you. At times, you need to neglect them. So, that’s just a message to shut out that noise,” said Rahul when asked about his celebration during the innings break.
Hardik Pandya And Rahul
The 28-year-old had scored 1, 0, 0, and 14 in his last four T20I innings. Questions were raised on the team management for giving Rahul so many opportunities, but batting coach Vikram Rathour and captain Virat Kohli backed him.
“Scoring runs makes you confident, and that’s what you want to do. I couldn’t score runs in the T20s, but sometimes you have to go through the journey. A few quality shots eased my nerves,” added the right-handed batsman.
Rahul added a 121-run partnership with Virat for the third wicket and then put on 113 runs with Rishabh Pant for the fourth wicket, guiding India to a competitive total.
“It was a hot day and it was important for us to get a partnership. [I am] really happy I was able to build those partnerships with Virat and Rishabh. When Virat and I were batting, we needed anything around 300. I am so happy with this total.”
Chasing 337 to win, England capitalised on a flying start provided by Jonny Bairstow (124 off 112) and Jason Roy (55 off 52) as the visitors gunned down the target in just 43.3 overs with six wickets in hand.
Ben Stokes’ (99 off 62) breathtaking knock got all on the edge of their seats, but the all-rounder missed out on a deserving hundred after a blazing 165-run stand with Bairstow.
India batsman KL Rahul displayed his top-game and smashed a sensational century in the second ODI of the three-match series against England at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.
It was Rahul’s first ODI century against England and second at home. He was under immense pressure ahead of the ODI leg as he had a disappointing T20I series.
The Karnataka batsman had only managed 1, 0, 0, 14 before he was dropped. However, Rahul got Virat Kohli’s backing, and the former repaid the faith shown in him by smashing an unbeaten 62 that helped India to a 66-run win in the first ODI.
And in the second ODI, Rahul scored 108 from 114 deliveries, including seven fours and two sixes, before Tom Curran dismissed him in the 45th over.
Apart from Rahul, captain Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya also shined with the bat. Kohli smashed 66 from 79 balls, while Pant slammed 77 off just 40 deliveries.
Pant scored runs at a phenomenal strike-rate of 192.50, hitting three fours and seven humungous maximums. Hardik also played a cameo of 16-ball 35 to take India to 336/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Top class 💯 this from a very Versatile Batsman @klrahul11
Onan engine identification. — Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) March 26, 2021
Well played @klrahul11 Fabulous 💯 Loved the shot selection and the way you paced your innings. Keep it up. #INDvENGpic.twitter.com/WRg5UlaIha
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) March 26, 2021
Lovely batting @klrahul11… congrats on 💯
Enjoyed every bit! #KingLegend#INDvENGpic.twitter.com/2FvwRtVGQV
— DK (@DineshKarthik) March 26, 2021
Rahul needed just a little time for himself while batting, to get back into form. 50 overs cricket allows one that time. Important that he carries this form/confidence now.👏👏👏#KLRahul
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) March 26, 2021
KL needed this ton.
The ODI format gives a batsman the chance to get your eye in. Or rather you can take a few more deliveries to get your eye in.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) March 26, 2021
Well played KLassy Rahul 💯 can't keep @klrahul11 quiet for too long 🙌🏼
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) March 26, 2021
Talk about unleashing Rishabh Pant! He’s just brought up his 50 off 28 balls. You can’t not love watching him play! He brings energy, excitement and great cricket. Love a bit of Pant action. 🇮🇳🏴#INDvENG
— Chloe-Amanda Bailey (@ChloeAmandaB) March 26, 2021
Irrespective of who picks how many wickets, If India wins this game, my Man of the match is Rishab Pant. If not for his blitzkrieg, getting to even 300 would’ve been difficult. Pant’s innings was the impactful one #DoddaMathu#INDvENG
— ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ | Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) March 26, 2021
Redeemed himself and how! ❤️#SaddeFans, how will you describe this 💯 from KL Rahul? 👇#INDvENG#SaddaPunjab#PunjabKings#CaptainPunjabpic.twitter.com/K1YtNSv41V
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 26, 2021
The last two ODI 100s for India have come from KL Rahul
#294 – 112 v NZ at Mount Maunganui 11 Feb 2020
#295 – 100* v Ind at Pune today#IndvEng#IndvsEng
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) March 26, 2021
I would honestly like to know which bowler would like to bowl to Pant, in this form? I don’t think that there would be any!!
— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) March 26, 2021
Pant. Quality.
Surely has to play every game for India going forward. No debate.
Match-winner!
— Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) March 26, 2021
A century to cherish from @klrahul11 👌👌#TeamIndia#INDvENG@Paytmpic.twitter.com/3N9PRxF1lW
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 26, 2021
To all the critics – KL Rahul has started keeping them quiet in white ball format. pic.twitter.com/lPAue1izBM
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 26, 2021
KL Rahul ➞ 108
Rishabh Pant ➞ 77
Virat Kohli ➞ 66
A strong batting performance has powered India to 336/6 in the second ODI 👀#INDvENG ➡️ https://t.co/t8SUo38VoPpic.twitter.com/axAGv101Lo
— ICC (@ICC) March 26, 2021
More to come. Pant 🔥 pic.twitter.com/YPRb180E1h
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) March 26, 2021
Two amazing knocks from KL Rahul (108) and Virat Kohli (66) helped #TeamIndia set the launchpad, while Rishabh Pant took the spotlight in the latter half with a belligerent 7️⃣7️⃣ off 4️⃣0️⃣ 🔥
336 to defend to seal the series 💙#INDvENGpic.twitter.com/QAGflk95rd
Kl Rahul Twitter Facebook
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 26, 2021