The first T20I played between India and West Indies in United States of America lived up to its expectation and hype as we saw a nail-biting finish to the game. For Indian fans, there was some disappointment in the end but one has to give the respect to the Indian team for they made a tough chase look so easy in the end. Despite that, India could not clinch the win but as they say cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties.
The match went to the last over of the match and requiring two of the last ball, MS Dhoni could not finish it off for India. Yet, not everything is lost for them. India were heavily dependent on Virat Kohli in the last few series but KL Rahul’s emergence in the team as a potent T20I batsmen must have eased some pressure of Virat Kohli. Earlier, the Indian middle order did not have anyone who could give Kohli the ample amount of support. With Rahul at the helm, Kohli has more than an ample support. Rahul’s inside-out sixes, standing at the crease is a testimony to the above statement.
The Karnataka-born batsman has improved by leaps and bounds since his successful stint in IPL 2016 where he scored more than 350 runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In the last three months, he now has scored a century each in all the three formats – Tests, ODIs, T20Is.
His innings of 110 runs on Saturday was not just about playing swashbuckling shots. He wanted to win the game for India and it was seen when he reached his 100 but did not celebrate it. The expression on his face after losing the match told a different story altogether.
India would only hope he continues batting like this in the second T20I clash which begins on Sunday at 6:30 PM Indian Standard Time.
