The chat between Rohit and I was that 180-190 would be a good target: KL Rahul

It was an incredible display of aggression from the Team India batters as they reigned supreme in a high-scoring encounter at the Barsapara Stadium that lost a tad bit of its polish to a couple of unwanted play stoppages.

After India was put to bat, KL Rahul played a fine knock at the top of the innings that starred a handful of exquisite strokes which were neatly stitched and the intent in Rahul’s eyes were crystal clear. He was going for the kill while Rohit played the perfect anchor at the other end.

A gritty 57 from just 28 balls set the tone for the contest perfectly for Team India that was well capitalized by another record-breaking partnership between Surya and Kohli later in the innings. Talking at the post-match awards, the Indian opener spoke at length about the conditions, the various odds stacking up and how he managed to brave them.

Highlighting the conditions, Rahul said, “It's important as an opener to understand what's required on a particular day for the team. It's good to test yourself to test yourself in different conditions, so I was satisfied. After the first 2-3 overs today, the chat between Rohit and I was that 180-190 would be a good target.”

He also had a few words of praise for his teammates as he said, “I'm surprised I'm getting the award but Surya made the bigger impact. (After being told that a senior opening batter took the call, he said it is a tough position to play in and adds it's been challenging lower down the order too) The way Virat batted, and Dinesh did well.”

Rahul concluded by talking about his innings, quoting, “The back-foot punch set me up, when I play both sides of the wicket I know my balance is good and head is stable. The crowds always turn up in India, it's been a while since we've played in front of full stadiums with the noise, so it was good.”