Indian vice-captain KL Rahul admitted the Greenfield International Stadium’s pitch was one of the toughest pitches he has played on, against South Africa on Wednesday. India had to chase down only 107 runs but they had to huff and puff their way through.
India lost two early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and they were put under some pressure by the South African bowlers, who were getting all the help from the green surface, just like their counterparts did.
Rahul had to take many blows on his hand and body as the pitch was two-paced but he was ready to fight it out. The right-hander scored a gutsy knock of 51 runs from 56 balls to help India chase down the target with eight wickets and 20 balls to spare.
Rahul added a fine alliance of 93 runs off just 63 balls with Suryakumar Yadav as the latter was able to hit the ground running. Yadav decided to take the attack on the Proteas bowlers and he brought up his fifty in just 33 balls on a difficult pitch. Rahul feels Yadav’s attacking approach helped him in settling in and take his time.
Rahul said after the game while talking to the broadcasters, “Definitely, right up there (as the toughest pitch). We have played in some difficult conditions like this but I haven’t got runs, so this was hard work. It was unbelievable for Surya to come out there and play those shots, we have seen how balls were flying, nipping around, two-paced and everything that can be hard for a batter that was the wicket today, and for Surya to come with that approach after the first ball that hit him, he just woke up and wanted to play his shots, be aggressive and take on the bowling. That helped me take my time and play one end.”
He added, “(Expect that much help) Not that much. We did practice here yesterday and that was a humbling experience as well, we all came in prepared mentally as it was not going to be an easy wicket and I was ready to do the dirty work, ready to be challenged and get the job done for the team. He’s (Arshdeep) growing with each game and with each outing he gets better, he is somebody who has a big heart and I have seen him in close quarters while playing in the IPL. This season what he did for his franchise was phenomenal and to be the number one death bowler in a team which has Rabada speaks highly of him. We always want a left-arm seamer and it is great to have someone like Arshdeep.”
Rahul is slowly but surely getting back his confidence after making a return to the team. The flamboyant batter is going to hold the key at the top of the order for India in the T20 World Cup. The second T20I between India and South Africa will be played on Sunday at Guwahati.
