'He is a complete player...' - Shoaib Akhtar's assessment of KL Rahul after his match-winning partnership with Virat Kohli in IND vs AUS 2023 World Cup

India started their 2023 ODI World Cup campaign on a positive note, but the two-time champions had to fight really hard to get over the line. Defending a competitive target of 200, Australia were right on top when Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood made the scoreboard reading 2/3. Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer failed to open their account. However, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul put on a record partnership to take the game away from the visitors. 

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The right-handed pair played cautiously and slowly assessed the conditions. With singles, doubles and rare boundaries, the two senior Indian batters put on a 165-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Kohli had to depart after making 85 off 116 balls, while Rahul, who sealed India's six-wicket win with a well-timed maximum, remained unbeaten on 97 off 115 balls.

Both Kohli and Rahul deserve equal praise, maybe the latter a bit more for finishing the innings. However, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar feels that the wicketkeeper-batter did not receive the credit he deserves. Notably, Kohli was dropped by Mitchell Marsh when he was batting at 12 and this proved to be a game-changer.  

"The way KL Rahul asserted his authority, he looks to be in a different league. Virat Kohli played a great innings but he could not play a chanceless innings. When KL Rahul was batting, he did not give any chance throughout his innings," Akhtar said on his YouTube channel.  

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Don't forget that he kept wickets as well: Shoaib Akhtar on Rahul  

Former cricketers and fans have always praised Virat Kohli for his fitness and runs between the wickets. The former Indian captain did the same in this game as well to ensure that the team didn't get under pressure. However, the legendary Pakistan bowler reminded that Rahul also ran alongside Kohli and he walked out to bat after keeping the wicket for 50 overs in the first innings. 

"Rahul hit shots when it was needed, and soaked in pressure with the situation of the game was tough. Virat Kohli's dropped catch was the turning point yes, but KL Rahul giving stability was crucial. You play him at any number - in the middle order, and opening, he does well. Don't forget that he kept wickets as well just before this for 50 overs," Akhtar said. 

"People laud Virat Kohli for his fitness and his running between the wickets, but KL Rahul is running with him too and also after keeping wickets and that needs to be talked about. KL Rahul is a complete player and needs to be backed throughout," he added.