5 Talking Points from 1st T20I between India and West Indies in the USA

Johnson Charles was the star of the match in the first 10 overs, later to be eclipse by KL Rahul and Evin Lewis

KL Rahul brings chase alive

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KL Rahul scored the fastest century by an Indian in any format of international cricket, off 51 balls
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Both Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane lost their wicket trying to play shots which they would not have tried in such stages of the innings had the asking rate been more manageable. KL Rahul was the unlikely flagbearer of India’s chase though, coming up with one of the best T20 innings seen in recent times.

Playing classical strokes all through his innings, taking body blows twice, Rahul’s 51-ball 110* brought life into the game when all had seemed lost. He was the first batsman to manage to hit a six against the strong wind, reaching the third row in the stands with a superbly executed hoik over the bowler’s head. The crowd, who had been chanting ‘India jeetega’ for most of the match were so taken aback by Rahul’s counter attack, that shouts of ‘USA USA’ began to be heard.

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The 51-ball 110* was also the 2nd fastest T20I century ever, and the fastest century scored by an Indian across all formats. Whatever the result of the game – Rahul has surely cemented his place in the limited overs squad with this special knock. India need not look any further for a regular No.4 in the shorter formats.

From not having an assured place in the RCB team in IPL 2016 till Mandeep Singh’s injury, Rahul can be called the most improved cricketer in the last 6 months. By the 15th over, a new chant had been discovered in the stands – ‘Raahul Raahul’ was all that could be heard.

Rahul was on the non-striker’s end on the final ball, but his place in history had been assured already. On the special occasion of India’s first match in the USA, Rahul had ensured that 2 centuries had been scored for the first time in a T20 international match.

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