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KL Rahul-Venkatesh Prasad-Suneil Shetty (Source: Twitter)
India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series against Australia on Friday in Mumbai thanks to KL Rahul's unbeaten half-century in the opening ODI (March 17). Following Australia's dismissal for 188 by the bowlers, Rahul guided the side to victory with a score of 75 runs off 91 balls.
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India had problems with their 189-run chase after losing four wickets with few runs on the board. Players like Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav fell short on a difficult pitch at Wankhede. KL Rahul entered the game and helped the hosts grab the series lead with a 44-run stand with skipper Hardik Pandya. He later added 108 runs with Ravindra Jadeja.
KL Rahul was constantly criticized for his poor form
Last year's 20-20 World Cup saw KL Rahul struggle, and after that, he battled in the first two Tests against Australia at home. Rahul received criticism from many cricket fans and ex-players, and some even questioned his position on the team.
In a Twitter thread, former Indian bowler Venkatesh Prasad even said that KL Rahul's inclusion in the Indian team resulted from partiality. This outburst resulted in even a confrontation between him and another former cricketer for India, Aakash Chopra.
In response to his game-winning strike against Australia, Suniel Shetty, the father-in-law of KL Rahul, made an insinuating jab at those who have recently written him off. "Upar wala jab hai na bahar koi kuch bhi bole (When God is with you, it does not matter what the outsiders say)," the Bollywood actor said. Importantly, Venkatesh Prasad praised KL Rahul on social media after the 31-year-calm-old's innings gave India the victory.
However, in the second ODI, Australia defeated India by 10 wickets at the YS Raja Reddy Cricket Stadium in Vishakapatnam on Sunday after India set them a target of 118 runs. The visitors easily reached 121/0 in 11 overs while chasing 118 thanks to Mitchell Marsh's undefeated 66 runs off 36 balls, which included six fours and six sixes.