'Rahul bhai 5 minutes before the toss...': KL Rahul reveals story behind selection vs PAK

KL Rahul announced his India comeback with a welcoming hundred against Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Monday, September 11. Although the India wicketkeeper-batter was returning to competitive cricket for the first time since IPL 2023, it seemed he picked up from where he had left.

3 things you should know 

• KL Rahul hit a run-a-ball hundred against Pakistan

• Rahul walked in to bat at number four

• Rahul and Kohli stitched a match-winning unbeaten partnership 

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However, KL Rahul was not supposed to feature in India's playing XI against Pakistan. It was a last time change. Five minutes before the toss, the Indian team suffered a massive blow - Shreyas Iyer suffered back spasm. Subsequently, India head coach Rahul Dravid asked Rahul to get ready for the match. 

KL Rahul, who thought he had to carry drinks, had left his batting gear and kit back at the hotel. The star player added that the team manager went to the hotel to get his kit to the stadium. 

"Five minutes before toss, Rahul (Dravid) bhai told me you might have to play because Shreyas [Iyer] has a back spasm," Rahul told Star Sports after he marked his India comeback.

"At the last minute, our manager had to run to the hotel to get my stuff. Strange things have happened in my career. This isn't the first time. It has happened earlier too. Mentally I guess I know what to do when I'm thrown into the ring, I give my best. I'm happy such performances happen [when he's been faced with such situations]. Maybe it's also a sign that I don't have to think too much. I can just go out there and enjoy my cricket. That's the learning for me."

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli stitched a 233-run unbeaten stand for the third wicket which powered India to an imposing total of 356/2. In reply, Pakistan never really got off as India bowlers made early inroads, including the crucial wicket of Babar Azam. Kuldeep Yadav returned with the figures of 5/25 as India bundled out Pakistan for 128 in just 32 overs.