India vs Zimbabwe: KL Rahul heaps praise on performance of bowlers

Indian cricket team’s captain for the three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, KL Rahul looked visibly happy after his side registered a massive 10-wicket victory in the first match on Thursday, August 18 in Harare. Indian opening duo Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill remained undefeated and clinched the win for the country, which also meant that Rahul did not have to bat in the win.

Rahul, 30, was deemed fit recently as he was out with injury and COVID-19 for the majority of 2022. However, he has since then been made the captain for the series and said that he would rather play throughout the year than spend time with a physio.

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“As good as it can be, I am on the field and I am happy. We do play a lot of cricket, injuries are going to be a part of it,” he said after the win on Thursday.

“Being away from the game is hard. Rehab and everything every day gets boring. We’d rather be playing 365 days than be with the physio,” Rahul quipped.

The 30-year-old is yet to play a T20I match in the ongoing year and only played his fifth ODI match of 2022 on August 18. Considering the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year, this could come back to haunt Rahul.

He was supposed to lead the team in a T20I series against South Africa earlier this year. However, he picked up an injury and had to undergo surgery for it. The batter was also supposed to be a part of India’s tour of the West Indies earlier in August, however, he picked up a COVID-19 infection, which forced him to rule out from the series.

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India dismissed Zimbabwe with just 189 runs in 40.3 overs with Deepak Chahar, Prasidh Krishna and Axar Patel claiming three wickets each while Mohammed Siraj took one wicket. Rahul praised the effects of the Indian bowling department, which did not give the opposition breathing room.

“Picking up wickets is crucial. There was a swing and seam movement as well. But it was good see them put the ball in right areas and be disciplined. For a few of us, it is great to be back in the Indian dressing room,” he added.

India will face Zimbabwe in the second ODI match on Saturday, August 20.