India vs England: KL Rahul reveals the reason behind his cryptic celebration in 2nd ODI

After not scoring much in the preceding T20I series against England, KL Rahul has managed to get his form back in the ODIs. He had smacked an unbeaten 62 off just 43 balls in the series opener to propel India’s final score. This time around, Rahul backed it up with a scintillating ton, his fifth in the format, laying the perfect platform for a huge score.

He came out to bat at number four when India was struggling a bit at 37/2 and first stabilised the innings with Virat Kohli before going on an all-out attack. He got out in the 45th over of the innings but not before scoring 108 runs with seven fours and two sixes.

However, his celebration by covering his ears with his fingers and closing his eyes after getting to his hundred caught the attention of many. Renowned football player Philippe Coutinho also does a similar kind of celebration and even Rahul didn’t do it for the first time.

Celebration is not to disrespect anyone, says KL Rahul

The commentators asked KL Rahul about his celebration in the mid-innings break and the man cleared that it was to shut all the criticism and not directed specifically at someone. “It (the celebration) is just to shut out the noise, not to disrespect anyone. There are people out there who try to pull you down, at times you need to neglect them. So that’s just a message to shut out that noise,” Rahul said.

Speaking about his plans during batting, the 28-year-old revealed that he was not happy with himself after the way he batted in T20Is but is now confident after two good knocks. “It was a hot day and it was important for us to get a partnership. Really happy with what we have achieved after 50 overs. Scoring runs makes you confident, and that’s what you want to do.

“I was disappointed after the T20 series, but that’s how the game goes. Few quality shots eased my nerves. Really happy I was able to build those partnerships with Virat and Rishabh. When me and Virat were batting, we needed anything around 300, so happy with this total.” he added.