Hidden drama in India's chase: KL Rahul opens up on Washington Sundar's injury

KL Rahul and Morne Morkel (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: KL Rahul played a pivotal role in India’s tense run chase against New Zealand in the first ODI, but the challenge he faced went beyond the numbers on the scoreboard. Washington Sundar, who was struggling with a back issue picked up during his bowling spell, found himself unable to run effectively when it was his turn to bat. Rahul revealed the difficulty of managing the innings under these circumstances after the match. “I didn’t know Washi couldn’t run,” KL Rahul said after the match.

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That admission puts India’s chase into perspective. In tight ODI finishes, running between the wickets is often just as crucial as hitting boundaries. With Sundar’s mobility restricted, Rahul had to reassess how the team approached each scoring opportunity, balancing aggression with caution. “He played some excellent shots. We made sure not to let too many dot balls accumulate.” Rahul’s role expanded from just scoring runs to actively managing the tempo. He had to rotate strike, make calculated singles, and prevent the pressure from building — all while maintaining focus on the target. “We were not up against a very tall target; at this level, you’re generally expected to chase down 6 or 6.5 runs per over in 9 out of 10 instances.” Rahul also emphasised the importance of early partnerships and understanding the pitch conditions. “The pitch remained consistent for the full 100 overs; the new ball is the optimal time to bat. The partnerships developed by Rohit, Gill, and Virat found the precise tempo. It tended to become slower as the innings progressed…” Acknowledging New Zealand’s knack for prolonging matches, Rahul remained composed under pressure. “We have faced a multitude of last-over finishes against New Zealand; they are adept at finding ways to claw their way back into the match. I look forward eagerly to the upcoming games.” Through it all, Rahul’s composure and strategic management of the innings underscored his influence — proving that in such high-pressure chases, leadership at the crease can be just as important as the runs scored.

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