Legendary Sunil Gavaskar reckons the way KL Rahul is batting, really augers well for India in the ongoing World Cup. Rahul scored an unbeaten knock of 97 runs in the opening clash of the World Cup against Australia while chasing 200 runs.

The wicket-keeper bat added 165 runs with Virat Kohli and bailed the team out of trouble from a precarious situation of 2-3. Rahul has made a rollicking return to action after recovering from injury.

The flamboyant batter scored 111 runs in the Super Fours stage match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and then also scored a couple of half-centuries in the three-match ODI series against Australia before the World Cup.

Rahul has been batting at his absolute best in the middle order and once again showed his class against Australia on Sunday.

“What India has shown is that they can recover even with backs on their wall. The fightback that we saw was the most impressive. It was a total all-rounder performance, a very good performance by India. The confidence level will go up. So other teams will have to watch out,” said Gavaskar while speaking to India Today.

The Little Master feels Virat Kohli’s experience was needed in a tricky situation against Australia and also hailed Rahul’s knock under pressure.

“Virat’s experience was needed and we must not forget Rahul’s innings as well. Rahul scored 97 not out and did not put a foot wrong. Kohli had a bit of luck when that easy catch was dropped. So good to see the way he is playing. We’ve all known the ability and talent that he has. The way he’s batting right now really augers well for India for the rest of the tournament. You have someone coming in at number 5 who can hold the innings together,” Gavaskar added.

It was a fine partnership between KL Rahul and Virat Kohli as they played a key role in taking India over the line.

India will play their second match of the World Cup against Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, in Delhi on Wednesday.