'Almost like MS Dhoni' - Former India opener heaps massive praise on KL Rahul for match-winning show in Vadodara ODI

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra praised wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul for his composure, adaptability and finishing skills after his unbeaten knock helped India secure a narrow victory in the opening ODI against New Zealand in Vadodara on January 11.

Rahul remained not out on 29 off 21 as India chased down a target of 301, registering a four-wicket win in a tense finish at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi in first ODI against New Zealand. His calm presence at the crease ensured India crossed the line despite a brief middle-order wobble.

While chasing the total, India found themselves under pressure at 242/5 when all-rounder Harshit Rana joined Rahul in the middle. With wickets falling at regular intervals, the Karnataka-born cricketer chose to anchor the innings and manage the chase prudently.

Batting with caution, he stitched together a 37-run partnership with Rana, allowing the youngster to play the attacking role while ensuring New Zealand were not offered an opening into the Indian tail. After Rana’s dismissal, Rahul added 27 runs alongside Washington Sundar, taking on the responsibility of scoring the bulk of the runs himself.

The right-handed batter held back from playing big shots until the 49th over. With 12 runs required off the final 12 deliveries, he shifted gears decisively, striking consecutive boundaries before finishing the contest with a six in the penultimate over to seal the win for India.

Aakash Chopra lauded Rahul’s maturity and game awareness, drawing comparisons with former India captain MS Dhoni for his control in pressure situations.

"KL Rahul's batting approach in this first ODI against New Zealand was interesting. We know him as an aggressive player. But here, with Harshit Rana and an injured Washington Sundar batting with him, he was different. Many times you think he will accelerate and finish the match quickly with a big shot, but he took his time. The first ball he hit in the 49th over wasn't a boundary ball, but he found the boundary. He has the ability of finding the boundaries easily and He hits his shots when he wants," said Chopra on Jiostar.

Chopra further highlighted Rahul’s versatility and ability to adapt to different roles within the team setup. The cricketer turned commentator he even found his batting resembling to the former India captain MS Dhoni.

"He was taking singles off balls he usually hits, but he waited for the right chances. In a different way, his versatility is his biggest quality. Ask him to open, keep the wickets, or be the stand-in captain, he will do it. He just hasn't bowled yet, that is pending. In these death overs, controlling the chase so well, controlling the nerves almost like Dhoni, hats off to KL Rahul. He is excelling at the toughest role in modern cricket - The finisher," he added further.