KL Rahul started off with extreme caution, and it was justified as Taskin Ahmed bowled a beautiful first over to put the Indian vice-captain down to 1 in 5 balls. On 2 of the 8 balls, India’s fans, most in the crowd, were getting restless. Then came a trademark whip from Rahul, a length ball over the stumps, sailing on-side for six via a wrist whip.
The second boundary came off a rough outside edge, attempted a shot over point that was going to the left of the thirdman fielder for a boundary. Hasan Mahmood gave Rahul a chance to improve on the very next ball, and this time the flat square cut sprung from the middle of the bat to over point for six. By now it was safe to say that Rahul was back in business.
Virat Kohli, who was at the crease with Rahul, started cheering his teammate and the former skipper had by then done a splendid job of easing the pressure, with runs coming his way towards the end. And yet, when India ended the powerplay, they had achieved a run rate of only 5.54, the second lowest ever in the tournament, behind only the United Arab Emirates.
After this, Rahul used his time and space wisely at the crease. He picked up short deliveries and went back into his crease in anticipation of overcorrection, cutting a yorker-length delivery from Shoreful Islam to point with a rapier-like swipe of the blade. When Rahul completed his half-century off just 31 balls, he turned to the Indian dressing room, this time acknowledging his cheers but actually thanking him for the support he had given him when he didn’t get runs. Supported.
Rahul, second in the Indian camp, was almost smiling, only the previous day had he sternly defended Rahul’s abilities and presence at the top of the order in the eleven. For some background: In 13 matches, starting with the Asia Cup in August, Rahul has averaged 27.33 at a strike rate of 121.03. But Dravid refused to believe that Rahul’s lack of runs, and even his lack of flow and attacking intent at the top of the order, had become a headache for the team.
Dravid pointed to a practice match against Australia before the start of the tournament in which Rahul was in good touch against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. But, more than anything else, Dravid insisted that the management, and captain Rohit Sharma, were completely behind Rahul. Rahul was dismissed soon after reaching his half-century, but with the support of his teammates – Kohli scored another crucial busy half-century – India posted 184 for 6.
In reply, Bangladesh went for a flyer as they posted 66/0 in 7 overs. After the rain interruption, the target was reduced to 151 in 16 overs, but he still had all 10 wickets and needed to score at his original ask of 9 per over. Then came a fatal throw from the deep, a direct hit that sent Liton Das back into the dressing room after an explosive 27-ball 60. Fielder? Rahul seals his redemption with a kiss.
Bangladesh gave India a tough fight by taking the game to the final over, but India just came together, supporting each other, throwing their catches and dry overs at crucial times, showing that they were such a successful team and strength. Why are you with me, homecoming by five runs.
Brief score India 184/6 (Kohli 44 runs, Rahul 50 32, Suryakumar 15 for 30; Mahmood 3/47, Shakib 2/33) Bangladesh 145/6 (Litton 60 off 27, Nurul 14 25* runs scored; Hardik 2/28, Arshdeep 2/38 by 5 runs on DLS method
