Virat Kohli’s brilliant 135 was the main talking point after India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI in Ranchi. But former India captain Kris Srikkanth believes the spotlight on Kohli ultimately hid two other important efforts.
Srikkanth said on his YouTube show that KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja played a big role in pushing India to 349 for 8. He felt their final score did not get the credit it deserved.
He pointed out that Rahul and Jadeja added 65 runs off just 36 balls. Their clean batting in the last few overs helped India reach a strong total. Rahul made 60 and Jadeja scored a quick 32.
Srikkanth said Jadeja’s knock went “unnoticed” because everyone was talking about Kohli. He added that both batters “did the job quietly” and picked up the innings when it mattered.
He also questioned India’s batting order. Rahul came in at number 6, which Srikkanth said was too low for someone from his class. He said Rahul looked completely in control as he hit a six off Burger and called him “Classy Rolls Royce Rahul”.
Srikkanth said that Rahul should bat at number 4 or 5 and not below. He felt that Washington Sundar should be used as a finisher instead of running ahead of Rahul.
“Stylish Rolls-Royce Rahul, India can’t survive without him. He scored his 60 effortlessly. Once he hit that six off Burger, there was no stopping him. But I don’t understand why KL Rahul comes to bat at No. 6. He should be batting at No. 4 or 5 and no further. I don’t understand this logic at all.”
He said these types of moves may work once, but shouldn’t become a habit. He believes a player like Rahul adds balance and composure in the middle overs.
India now leads the three-match ODI series 1-0.
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