Dale Steyn believes that if KL Rahul had batted at number three, he would have also achieved a lot more hundreds. Following India’s undefeated 66 off just 43 balls in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur on Wednesday, December 3, he made this evaluation.
The Karnataka batsman hit two sixes and six fours in his daring performance. With a strike rate of 153.49 at the end, he helped India set a massive mark of 359 that South Africa had to chase down in the second innings. To attain the objective with four balls and as many wickets as possible, the Proteas batted incredibly well.
Even though Ravindra Jadeja was having trouble finding his timing at the other end, Steyn lauded Rahul for his immaculate innings speed.
“He simply does it with ease. Once more, I am very positive that he would reach the hundreds due to the dearth of deliveries encountered if he batted three or began the batting. However, he is aware of his function on this club and realises that certain spots are for other players. And he has played outstanding innings in both games thus far,” Steyn remarked as he examined the innings on Star Sports.
“KL, the captain, set up a nice, practical knock, and he led his squad effectively in the first one, raising the stakes when necessary. He also went semi-slow with Jadeja for a while today. The final over was the most costly over of the batting, and South Africa bowled superbly throughout that brief period of transition,” he continued.
In the first ODI played in Ranchi last week, Rahul also struck an important 60 from 56 balls. But it was for a cause that was winning.
Both teams have won one game each, putting the three-match ODI series on a precarious position. The ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam will host the final match on Saturday, December 6.
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