KL Rahul’s unbeaten 97* guided India to a six-wicket win over Australia in their first game of the 2023 ODI World Cup. He came to bat when India were reeling at 2/3 in pursuit of 200 and stitched a 165-run partnership with Virat Kohli (85). His knock was reminiscent of MS Dhoni’s 91* in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Both Rahul and Dhoni remained in the 90s in their respective World Cup innings, which is a rare feat for Indian batters. Both also came to bat at number five and rescued India from a precarious situation. Both also showed great temperament and composure to finish the game for India. Their knocks had many similarities that will be cherished by Indian fans. Consider three unexpected similarities between KL Rahul’s 97-run effort against Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup and MS Dhoni’s 91 against Sri Lanka in 2011.
3. Both were designated wicket-keepers who came to bat at No. 5
KL Rahul has improved his wicket-keeping skills and become India’s preferred keeper-batter in ODIs. He kept wickets and batted at No. 5 in the match against Australia, just like Dhoni did in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka.
Dhoni changed his batting position to No. 5 to counter the Sri Lankan spinners, while Rahul has settled in that slot. Both of them played crucial innings for India as wicketkeeper-batters.
2. Both knocks came during successful run-chases in an ODI World Cup game
Both KL Rahul and MS Dhoni faced pressure situations in their innings. Rahul’s 97* came in India’s first match of the tournament, while Dhoni’s 91* came in the final of the 2011 World Cup. Both of them showed great calmness and composure to steer India to victory.
Dhoni and Rahul were also helped by two Delhi-born match-winners on the other end. Dhoni had Gautam Gambhir at No. 3, who hit 97, while Rahul had Virat Kohli, who scored 85. Both Gambhir and Kohli were crucial in the run-chases.
1. Both finished their respective matches with a six
The most striking similarity between the two knocks was that both of them ended with a match-winning six. Dhoni’s iconic six over long on sealed India’s World Cup triumph after 28 years, while KL Rahul’s accidental six over cover gave India a comfortable win over Australia.
Both Rahul’s 97* and Dhoni’s 91* are priceless innings that are more than hundreds. Dhoni’s knock fulfilled India’s World Cup dream, while Rahul’s knock started India’s World Cup campaign on a high note. India would hope that Rahul’s superb form would help them end their ICC trophy drought
