By: Sandipan Bose
Finally, KL Rahul became the first Indian opener to score an ODI century on debut. Against a decent Zimbabwe bowling attack at the Harare Sports Club, India were chasing an easy winning target of 169 in the opening game of the three-match ODI series. But it was easy as it appeared.
On a double paced wicket, Rahul had a slow start to his innings but he paced it perfectly a little later. Not for a moment, he was in a hurry to score and showed how he gained from his IPL experience. Rahul finished with seven fours and a six to take India one-up in the series.
While playing for his IPL outfit, Rahul was a different player when he batted up the order. There were matches in the IPL where his performances came as a handy for star-studded team, the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Still, his batting order kept changing from one game to the other.
However, this constant change in the batting order didn’t disturb Rahul’s mental conditioning. He was always ready. By scoring a hundred on his debut now, he has justified selectors’ faith on his ability.
He has also shown what confidence can do to a player if he is backed to represent the highest level just at the right time. With a Test slot already in his pocket, this debut century will also make Rahul a better player in the days to come. Mind you, this is just the beginning of a star in making!
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