Here's how KL Rahul's captaincy record has proved to be lucky charm for Team India players

KL Rahul, stepping in as the stand-in captain for Team India, received praise from fans for his exceptional performance both as a batsman and captain during the first two ODIs against Australia on September 24. With regular captain Rohit Sharma and vice-captain Hardik Pandya rested, following India's victory in the previous week's Asia Cup, KL Rahul assumed leadership responsibilities in their absence. His leadership proved commendable as India comfortably secured an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning both matches.

3 things you need to know

• KL Rahul was the vice-captain of the Indian men's cricket team until last year
• He has been replaced by Hardik Pandya as the new deputy of Rohit Sharma
• Rahul, however, stepped in to captain the side in the absence of Rohit and Hardik

Also Read: WATCH: KL Rahul Hits Gigantic Six Out Of The Stadium As India Take Australia For Cleaners

KL Rahul's captaincy proves to be a lucky charm for Team India

In the second ODI held in Indore, India was asked to bat first and managed an impressive total of 399/5. Shreyas Iyer showcased his aggressive form with a century, affirming his readiness for the World Cup. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja each took three wickets, contributing significantly to India's convincing 99-run victory (DLS method).

KL Rahul's consistent half-centuries in both ODIs highlighted his importance in the Indian middle order. Fans were impressed by his leadership and noted his seemingly fortunate influence on various players. From Virat Kohli last year to Shreyas Iyer on Sunday, multiple players have made remarkable comebacks while Rahul led the team.

• Virat Kohli's return to form with a T20I century
• Cheteshwar Pujara's first Test century in three years
• Shubman Gill's maiden ODI and Test centuries
• Ishan Kishan's maiden ODI double century
• Shardul Thakur's best bowling figures in Tests (7/61)
• Mohammed Shami's best bowling figures in ODIs (5/51)
• India's highest total against Australia in ODIs (399/5)
• India's first ODI win against Australia in Mohali since 1996
• Shreyas Iyer's comeback century in ODIs

Also Read: 'Always Happens With Me': KL Rahul On Leading India In Place Of Regular Captain Rohit Sharma

KL Rahul looks in solid touch ahead of Cricket World Cup 2023

KL Rahul marked his return to the international cricket scene following a three-month absence due to injury. His injury setback occurred during the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). After sustaining the injury, Rahul underwent a successful surgical procedure in London, followed by a rehabilitation period at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

During his absence, Hardik Pandya took on the role of vice-captain for the ODI format as Rahul was unavailable due to his recovery process.

Image: BCCI