Star Indian Pacer Mohammad Shami heaped praise on KL Rahul for his sensational Knock against Australia which helped India to a 5-wicket win over Australia in the first ODI at the Wankhede Stadium. The under-fire wicketkeeper batted exceptionally well to take India to victory from a struggling start of 16-3.

The Karnataka batsman was under immense pressure after his recent failures with the bat, especially in Tests. The right-handed batter was also removed from vice-captaincy in all formats. Kl Rahul, however, showed his class to the world with extraordinary batting in the 1st ODI, Mohammad Shami hailed Kl Rahul for his batting stating that he has always been a complete team man, who played many important innings for India.

“We often talk about being under pressure or being in and out of form. But a player always thinks positively and tries his best for the team. He always thinks of playing a good inning or giving great starts. And we have seen him playing well for the team in the past,”  Shami said.

KL Rahul played a fighting knock along with Ravindra Jadeja to give India a lead in the three-match ODI series and stressed that it was important innings for Rahul as every player goes through ups and downs in their career.

“But sometimes it happens that you run out of luck or have a tough day in the office. That’s a phase and a player goes through that. But there comes a time when you start playing your regular shots. And the way our batting collapsed, and it was good to see him that way under pressure.

Speaking about the match, India was in a spot of bother at 16 for 3, coming into bat under pressure, KL Rahul maintained his composure throughout the innings. Kl Rahul shared an unbeaten stand of 108 runs with Ravindra Jadeja to take India home in 39.5 overs. Kl Rahul remained unbeaten on 75 and Ravindra Jadeja on 45 for India.

India Can Bolster Their Batting If KL Rahul Can Keep Wickets – Ravi Shastri

Former Indian Coach Ravi Shastri feels KL Rahul should play in the marquee event instead of KS Bharat as a wicketkeeper in England. Ravi Shastri speaking to Star Sports, wants Rahul to play as a wicketkeeper in the WTC finals which will strengthen India’s batting lineup in challenging England’s condition.

“India can bolster their batting if Rahul can keep wickets. Rahul can bat in the middle-order No. 5 or No. 6. in England, you have to generally keep wickets from far behind. You don’t have to keep up to the spinners a lot,” he added.

Ks Bharat was not much impressed with the bat in the four-match series against Australia. KS Bharat failed to grab the opportunity during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to seal his place in Test XI. In the past, KL Rahul has performed very well in England as he scored a century in Lord’s against England. It will interesting to see whether India goes with experienced KL Rahul or KS Bharat in the World Test Championship.