Former Indian Cricket Star Defends KL Rahul’s Performance in World Cup Final Amidst Severe Online Trolling

Former Indian Cricket Star Defends KL Rahul’s Performance in World Cup Final Amidst Severe Online Trolling

Indian cricketer KL Rahul received praise from former cricketer Aakash Chopra for his impressive performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia. Chopra commended Rahul for his fighting half-century in the crucial match held at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. Despite facing significant criticism as the “most trolled Indian cricketer in the last 12 months,” Rahul stepped up and played a crucial role with the bat when it mattered the most.

Chopra took to Twitter to express his admiration for Rahul, stating, “The most trolled Indian cricketer in the last 12 months is the man standing up for the team when it mattered the most. The World Cup final. Well played, Kamaal Lajwaab Rahul.” This acknowledgment highlights Rahul’s resilience and determination to perform under pressure.

Rahul’s performance in the tournament has been exceptional, with 452 runs scored in 11 matches at an average of 75.33 and a strike rate of 90.76. He hit a century and two half-centuries, with his highest score being 102. Notably, Rahul achieved India’s fastest World Cup century against the Netherlands, reaching the milestone in just 62 balls. Currently, he stands as the eighth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Alongside teammate Shreyas Iyer, Rahul has been instrumental in India’s batting lineup. Iyer has scored 530 runs in 11 matches, boasting an average of 66.25, with two centuries and three half-centuries. Their consistent performances have provided stability and strength to the Indian team.

Rahul’s success extends beyond the World Cup. As a middle-order batter in ODIs this year, he has displayed remarkable form, accumulating 983 runs in 24 matches and 22 innings. With an average of 70.21 and a strike rate of 88.63, Rahul has been a key asset to the Indian team. He has also achieved two centuries and six half-centuries in ODIs this year.

In the final match against Australia, India batted first but were bowled out for 240 runs in 50 overs. On a challenging pitch, skipper Rohit Sharma (47 runs), Virat Kohli (54 runs), and KL Rahul (66 runs) played crucial innings. Mitchell Starc was the top performer among the Australian bowlers, taking three wickets for 55 runs. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also contributed with two wickets each, while Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell took one wicket each.

Australia comfortably chased down the target with Travis Head scoring a century, ultimately securing their sixth ODI World Cup victory.

Please note that this article has been generated through an automated process and has not been edited by NDTV staff.