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India captain KL Rahul acknowledged that he had “a few butterflies” during India’s tense 17-run victory over South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi on Sunday, describing the contest as a demanding test of temperament for both sides. India posted a formidable 349/8, powered by Virat Kohli’s commanding 135, Rohit Sharma’s fluent 57 and Rahul’s gritty 60 before restricting the visitors to 332 in a chase that went down to the final over.
Rahul praised his bowlers – particularly Harshit Rana and Kuldeep Yadav – for executing key breakthroughs at crucial stages. Their timely strikes prevented South Africa from fully capitalising on repeated counterattacks, allowing India to stay marginally ahead of the asking rate through most of the innings.
KL Rahul reflects on high-pressure win over South Africa as India go 1-0 up
Captaining India in ODIs again brought a blend of excitement and responsibility for Rahul, who admitted that nerves were inevitable in such a high-scoring contest. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel a little nervous,” he said in the post-match presentation.
He credited India’s composure for closing out the match, noting that the team maintained clarity in execution even as South Africa “kept coming hard.” Rahul said the bowlers stuck to their pre-set plans, held their nerve in death overs, and displayed a collective sense of calm that ultimately swung the game in India’s favour.
Rahul embraces flexible no. 6 batting role
Speaking about his current batting position, Rahul said he is embracing the No. 6 role, viewing it as an opportunity to broaden his tactical understanding of ODI cricket. The position, he explained, requires adaptability – finishing innings, rebuilding when needed, or absorbing pressure in tricky middle phases.
Rahul described the challenge as “fun,” noting that it encourages him to evolve his game while fulfilling the dynamic needs of the team. The skipper added that this flexibility aligns with India’s long-term ODI blueprint, which prioritises versatility across the batting order.
Rahul heaps praise for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Rahul was effusive in his praise for Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, whose century stand laid the foundation for India’s imposing total. He described their innings as reminders of “why they are who they are,” pointing out how frequently they have dismantled opposition attacks over the years.
He said that having both stalwarts back together at the top naturally lifts the dressing-room environment, joking that even fans in the stadium “felt the old energy return” when the pair began dominating South Africa’s seamers. Their partnership, Rahul noted, set the tone for the rest of the innings.
Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav in Rahul’s confidence
Rahul singled out Harshit Rana for special appreciation, calling him “exactly what Team India has been looking for” – a tall, aggressive quick capable of taking the new ball and providing depth with the bat. Rana struck early, bowled with pace, and justified the faith placed in him after his impressive performances in Australia.
On Kuldeep, Rahul highlighted the left-arm wrist-spinner’s importance in controlling the middle overs. Kuldeep once again delivered under pressure, breaking partnerships and creating opportunities during a phase when South Africa threatened to take the match deep.
Rahul said that the pair’s spells were “central to closing out a nervy game,” rounding off a performance that gives India early momentum in the three-match series.
Also WATCH: Harshit Rana gives an aggressive send off to Dewald Brevis after dismissing him during Ranchi ODI
