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India's wicketkeeper-batter and designated finisher in ODIs, KL Rahul pulled off another run chase batting at no.6. Started slow, Rahul picked up pace and took India over the line in the series opener against New Zealand with an over to spare. He had support from Harshit Rana who was sent ahead of Washington Sundar. While Rana did his job, the promotion in batting order was due to Sundar’s injury. After the four-wicket in Vadodara, Rahul revealed that he didn’t know Sundar couldn’t run because of his injury.
“I don’t think the pressure really came in during the last 4-5 overs. Harshit did a terrific job as soon as he walked in. He took a lot of pressure off me with the way he struck the ball, and suddenly the chase became much easier. I stayed pretty calm towards the end. We weren’t chasing too many – around 6-7 an over – and at this level, that’s something you’re expected to chase down 9 out 10 times. I didn’t know he (Washington) couldn’t run. I knew he had a bit of an injury in the first innings, but I wasn’t aware of the extent. That said, he was striking the ball really well. When he came in, we were already going at about a run-a-ball, so there was no need to take unnecessary risks. There wasn’t too much pressure on him. He rotated the strike, and did his job. Everyone who walked in contributed and that made the difference,” Rahul said after the win in series opener.
New Zealand did not apply much pressure as stand-in captain Michael Bracewell did not bring in more fielders in the 30-yard circle to stop Sundar from taking a single. He was walking between the wickets after guiding the ball into the deep parts of the ground. Rahul scored 29 runs from 21 deliveries. On the other end, Sundar scored seven runs from as many balls faced.
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Sundar adds to the injury list
Meanwhile, Sundar has been ruled out of the three-ODI series against New Zealand. His replaced for the series is yet to be named. Axar Patel may make a comeback into the side. Patel was dropped from the ODIs after the Australia tour.
Sundar is the second Indian player to get injured and ruled out of the ODI series. Earlier, Rishabh Pant was hit while batting in the nets. He has been replaced by an in-form Dhruv Jurel.
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