India’s star wicketkeeper-batter, KL Rahul finally opened up about the devastating defeat to Australia in the World Cup 2023 final held in Ahmedabad on November 19. In a conversation with his fellow India teammate R Ashwin on Ashwin’s YouTube talk show ‘Kutti Stories with Ash’, Rahul reflected on the tough decision he had to make between playing crucial innings or holding his ground against formidable bowlers like Mitchell Starc during the final match.
Ashwin – “If I could give an opportunity to give a time machine & review one decision to correct it all over again, what will it be”? [Ashwin YT]
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KL Rahul Reveals Biggest Regret
“The World Cup final against Australia, I was stuck at the moment, whether to take down Starc or just play him as it was reversing, bowling in tough angle – in that confusing I ended up nicking it – if I could have played till the end, it could have been 30+ runs & probably World Cup in our hands – that is what I regret”. Rahul said.
Despite India’s impressive streak of ten consecutive victories leading up to the final, they ultimately succumbed to a 6-wicket loss against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Rahul emerged as the highest run-scorer for the home side with his knock of 66 runs off 107 deliveries. While Kohli contributed 54 runs off 63 balls, Rahul faced difficulties, managing just one boundary in his innings spanning 107 balls.
Throughout the World Cup, India showcased outstanding performances from both their batting and bowling units. However, their recurring pattern of faltering in ICC tournaments’ final stages haunted the two-time champions yet again. Exceptional bowling displays from Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Australian skipper Pat Cummins restricted India’s batting lineup to just 240 runs. In the chase, Australia successfully chased down the target, largely due to stellar performances from Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.
Rahul currently captains the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the lucrative T20 league and has amassed 204 runs in six appearances during the ongoing IPL season. With LSG previously exiting at the Eliminators stage in both IPL 2022 and 2023, Rahul is determined to lead his side to ultimate glory this time around.
