Girlfriend Athiya Shetty reacts 'Love' to KL Rahul's fifty in the first T20I against Australia

The under-pressure Indian opener KL Rahul smashed an impressive fifty in the opening T20I clash against Australia in Mohali. He scored 55 runs off 35 balls with the help of four fours and three huge sixes to give India a flying start at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium. Hardik Pandya finished the innings with an unbeaten 71 runs off 30 balls to help India score 208/6 in 20 overs.

Rahul managed to score only 132 runs in five matches in the recently-concluded 2022 Asia Cup but came under scrutiny for his poor strike rate of 122.22. Fans and media have been even tipping Virat Kohli to open with Rohit Sharma after his sensational hundred against Afghanistan in India's last match. But now Rahul's fifty at a strike rate of 157.14 has led fans to shower praises on the player. Among these fans is his girlfriend and India Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty.

Athiya posted an Instagram Story of KL Rahul celebrating his fifty with a love emoji. Athiya is the daughter of veteran Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty and has featured in famous screen-hits like Tadap, Mubarakan, and Hero. Rahul and Athiya have been dating for a long time now and their relationship is no secret for the fans. Athiya has been spotted with Rahul on cricket tours as well and couple has never denied their relationship. 

Here's Athiya Shetty's Instagram Story!

KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya guide India to 208/6

Meanwhile, India were invited to bat first in Mohali and lost their key batters Rohit and Virat with just 35 runs on the scoreboard. Rahul and Suryakumar formed a big 68-run partnership for the third wicket to keep India in the control of the game. Rahul smashed three biggies into a crowd, including a 92-meter six over the backward square leg off Cameron Green's delivery. 

India lost Rahul in the 12th over but Hardik and Suryakumar Yadav kept the momentum on in the middle overs. Green dismissed Suryakumar for 46 runs in the 14th over but Hardik single-handedly guided India to a big 208/6 total with three sixes on the innings' last three deliveries.