Unblemished essay: Rahul took on immense pressure with ease, bailing DC out of trouble and to a famous win. | Photo: K. Murali Kumar
K.L. Rahul’s exuberant celebration on Thursday, inspired by a scene from Kannada superhit movie ‘Kantara’, revealed what the knock meant to him.
Rahul’s unbeaten 93 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru was special for many reasons.
For starters, the chase masterclass came in his home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. “Mera ground hai ye (This is my ground),” a pleased Rahul told Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel.
The Karnataka cricketer took on immense pressure with ease, bailing DC out of trouble and to a famous win.
Save for a tough chance put down by Rajat Patidar when Rahul was on five, it was an unblemished essay. With Tristan Stubbs dropping anchor, Rahul took it upon himself to accelerate when the required rate climbed.
In some ways, Rahul’s exploits were a reminder of what RCB missed. Rahul could have well turned out in the red and yellow jersey this season had RCB aggressively pursued his services in the 2025 IPL auction.
RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik put on a brave face when asked if his team would have liked to have Rahul in their side. “In every game, there’s going to be some player who is going to do well. We can’t keep missing everyone who does well against us. But if you watch the auction, we did go for Rahul,” Karthik said.
The 32-year-old Rahul can undoubtedly walk into the eleven of any team. Perhaps the most versatile Indian batter, Rahul has excelled as an opener and at number four. This flexibility has given DC the chance to tinker with the team composition without fear.
Rahul’s stock as a T20 cricketer is through the roof, and DC is set to profit.
Published – April 11, 2025 08:30 pm IST
