IND vs PAK: KL Rahul returns to international cricket, equals Virat Kohli in unique list

In the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 match against Pakistan on Sunday, September 10, the Indian cricket team got off to a superb start. Opening batsmen Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill showcased their skills brilliantly, both notching up impressive half-centuries before losing their wickets. However, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli continued to apply pressure on Pakistan with a sensible partnership for the third wicket before rain interrupted the play.

3 things you need to know

• India and Pakistan are currently their Super Fours Asia Cup match
• The match has been interrupted by rain with India batting at 147/2
• KL Rahul has returned to international cricket after a long hiatus

Also Read: 'It Was Different This Time': KL Rahul Explains Recovery Process From Injury - WATCH

KL Rahul equals Virat Kohli's massive ODI record

KL Rahul, making his comeback after a four-month hiatus, replaced Shreyas Iyer in the playing XI for this crucial match. He displayed confidence from the outset, playing some exquisite shots. Rahul achieved a significant milestone when he reached 14 runs with a stunning boundary off Haris Rauf's bowling. With that boundary, Rahul became the player to score the fourth-fastest 2000 runs in ODIs for India.

Remarkably, Rahul reached the 2000-run mark in just 53 innings, matching Virat Kohli's record. Both Kohli and Rahul achieved this feat in the same number of innings. However, there were three Indians who reached 2,000 runs in ODIs even faster. The record for the fastest 2,000 ODI runs by an Indian still belongs to veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan, who accomplished it in just 48 innings. Former captain Sourav Ganguly and Navjot Sidhu also reached this milestone in 52 innings.

India fight hard to stay alive in Asia Cup 2023

Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit Sharma contributed significantly to the team's total by scoring 56 runs off 49 balls but narrowly missed reaching the 10,000 ODI runs milestone. Shubman Gill, on the other hand, continued his impressive form by recording yet another fifty, providing India with a flying start. Together, Rohit and Gill established a formidable opening partnership, amassing 121 runs in just 100 balls.

Also Read: Straight Replacement: Irfan Pathan Drops In-form Batter For KL Rahul For Clash Vs PAK

Pakistan managed to regain some balance by dismissing Rohit and Gill in consecutive overs, but KL Rahul and Virat Kohli then steadied the ship, adding an unbeaten 24 runs for the third wicket before the game was interrupted by rain in the 25th over.

Image: BCCI