KL Rahul is facing a barrage of criticism from fans following India's dominant victory over Ireland in the T20 World Cup 2024. The match, held at Nassau County International Stadium, New York, saw India comfortably chase down a modest target of 97, set by Ireland, in just 12.2 overs.

The pitch, which turned out to be slow and unyielding, played a significant role in restricting Ireland to a mere 96 runs in the first innings. This highlighted the ongoing conversation about strike rates in T20 cricket, with fans taking the opportunity to roast KL Rahul, whose own strike rate in T20s has often been under scrutiny.

"When they don't take you for a WT20 where Strike Rate is actually overrated," one user quipped on social media, sharing a picture of the beleaguered batter.

Also Read: Is Rohit Sharma injured? India captain left the field after completing fifty vs Ireland in T20 WC

India vs Ireland, T20 World Cup 2024

India beat Ireland by eight wickets in their opening Group A match of the T20 World Cup here on Wednesday.

Captain Rohit Sharma top-scored with a 37-ball 52 before he retired hurt while wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant chipped in with 36 not out off 26 balls as India chased down the target of 97 with 46 balls to spare.

Earlier, India’s pace quartet, led by Hardik Pandya, produced a dominant effort on a spicy pitch to bowl out Ireland for 96.

Also Read: 'Pushing the limit of possibilities': Pant's impossible 6 stuns even Ireland bowler in IND vs IRE

Pandya (3/27) led India’s effort with the ball and he received able support from Arshdeep Singh (2/35) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/6) after skipper Rohit elected to bowl first in their tournament opener.

Brief Scores: Ireland: 96 all out in 16 overs (Hardik Pandya 3/27, Arshdeep Singh 2/35, Jasprit Bumrah 2/6).

India: 97 for 2 in 12.2 overs (Rohit Sharma 52 retired hurt, Rishabh Pant 36 not out). 

(With PTI inputs)