India had a perfect day on the field as they thrashed Bangladesh by 95 runs to win their last warm-up game in Cardiff.
While KL Rahul (108 off 99 deliveries) , in all probablity, solved the number four problem for India, MS Dhoni, on the other hand, turned back the clock to hit an incredible 113 off just 78 balls.
Riding on Dhoni’s and Rahul’s century, India posted a mammoth total of 359/7 at the end of their 50 overs. Chasing 360, Bangladesh never got going and eventually succumbed to 95-run defeat.
Speaking to media post the match, Kl Rahul said that it’s a team game and he is ready to bat wherever the team needs him.
“Look, like I said, it’s a team game. You need to be flexible and you need to be ready to bat wherever. As a player you need to be ready to take up any role which is given to you. Each of us prepares, we’ve prepared all our careers for whatever is thrown at us. We try to come up with the best we can. I don’t think anything is different now at this stage.”KL Rahul
Virat Kohli too, said that the biggest positive was too see Rahul bat the way he did, while also appreciating Dhoni for his efforts.
I think the biggest positive to come out was the way KL Rahul batted at four. It is important that he gets runs and he is a sound player to get the scoreboard ticking. MS and Hardik were superb as well.Virat Kohli
Many big names took to Twitter to comment on India’s win.
Former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar said it was a dream game for India as they found out their number four and the spinners too, got their confidence back.
Aakash Chopra appreciated Dhoni’s knock and said that the former Indian captain has announced his arrival in England.
Former Australian cricketer, Brad Hogg said after Rahul’s century, the hole in the Indian batting line-up has been filled.
RP Singh, former Indian pacer heaped praises on MS Dhoni and said Mahi, the finisher is looking great.
The former Windies pacer Ian Bishop questioned whether there is still any doubt that Rahul should bat at number four.
Mohammed Kaif said while KL Rahul showed his class, Dhoni again showed what he is made of. He also mentioned that the middle order has come in form at the right time for India.
Heading into the official phase of the tournament, India have most of their concerns settled. KL Rahul at number four looks solid, while the spinners too seems to have found their groove back.
As far as the openers Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma are concerned, they tend to perform at another level in ICC tournaments, so it’s just a matter of time before they join the party.
India will start their World Cup campaign against South Africa on 5 June.
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