Overview
- At Vadodara’s BCA Stadium, Rahul hit 29 off 21 at No. 6 to complete a 301 chase, securing a four-wicket win with one over left and finishing with a six.
- India needed 58 off 53 when he joined Harshit Rana, and their 37-run stand steadied the pursuit before Rahul closed it out, including 20 off his last nine balls.
- With Washington Sundar injured and Ravindra Jadeja out cheaply, Rahul described the finisher’s task as scoring from ball one with five fielders outside the ring.
- He said batting lower has helped him understand his game but carries greater risk where one mistake can cost the match, and he is willing to bat wherever the team needs.
- Career context shows 1,365 runs at No. 5 at an average above 59 and a 47.42 average at No. 6; the second ODI is scheduled for January 14.