ODI world cup 2023 Cricket

'KL the team man' - Fans react to KL Rahul's million-dollar statement after helping Virat Kohli smash 48th ODI ton

India beat Bangladesh by seven wickets on Thursday to claim their fourth win of the tournament. The Men in Blue will next face New Zealand in Dharamsala on October 22.

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Mathew K
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KL Rahul & Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

KL Rahul & Virat Kohli (Source: Twitter)

Team India won four of the four matches they played in the ongoing 2023 ODI World Cup. The latest dominance came against Bangladesh in a 7-wicket win at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 19. However, it was Virat Kohli's sensational knock that grabbed more attention. Chasing a below-par target, India were certain to win, but Kohli made it a thriller by hitting the winning runs and bringing up his 48th ODI century on the same ball. 

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If KL Rahul had not extended a helping hand, Kohli would not have scored a century. The target was approaching and Kohli was 20-25 runs away from his milestone. With a comfortable win awaiting India, Kohli did not hesitate to go for individual achievement. Rahul denied taking singles and Kohli seized the opportunity with both hands, stealing one run in the last ball of the over to retain the strike. 

Kohli quickly raced into the 90s with some elegant boundaries and moved to 97 before the start of the 42nd over. The right-hander needed 3 runs and India needed 2 to complete the chase. On the third ball, Kohli hit a maximum off Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed to achieve his landmark and take India to the finish line. 

Speaking after the match, Kohli's biggest supporter Rahul revealed that the No. 3 batter was initially hesitant to deny singles. However, the wicketkeeper batter pushed the ace batter to three figures as the team was assured of an easy win.

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"He was confused actually, he said 'it would not look too nice to not take singles, it's still a World Cup, it's still a big stage and I don't want to look like I am trying to get the milestone'. I said 'it's not won, but I mean we will still do this very easily. If you can get to the milestone, you must try'. And he did that in the end," Rahul told broadcaster Star Sports.

"I played a huge role in making it very interesting. When I walked in, there were still enough runs to get and I thought I would play a few shots and got a few more boundaries than I would have liked. Personally, it was good, but Kohli was nearing his hundred, it got really close. When there were 30 runs left, I said I will just block the ball and take singles and try and give you a strike," he added.

There's a great atmosphere in the changing room. It's translating like that on the field: Kohli after his century 

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Kohli was adjudged Player of the Match for his match-winning hundred. Speaking in the post-match presentation, Kohli said:

"I wanted to make a big contribution. I have had a few fifties in World Cups, haven't really converted them. I just wanted to finish the game off this time around and hang on till the end which is what I have done over the years for the team. It was a dream start for me, first four balls, two free-hits, a six and a four. Just calms you down gets you into the innings. The pitch was pretty good and it allowed me to play my game - just time the ball, hit the gaps, run hard and get the boundaries whenever needed. There's a great atmosphere in the changing room, we are loving each others' company, the spirit is there for everyone to see on the field. That's why it's translating like that on the field."

Here's how fans reacted to KL Rahul's statement: 

 

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