Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli once again showcased his immense batting prowess as he smashed his 48th century in the ODI format during the ODI World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. While Virat Kohli stole the show with his brilliant knock, Indian keeper-batter KL Rahul impressed one and all with his selflessness as he declined easy singles when the target was reduced to its final 15 runs so that Kohli could complete his century.
After a brilliant start by Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli took matters into his hands as he joined forces with KL Rahul and the duo together smashed the Bangladesh bowlers to all the corners of the ground. Kohli stitched up an 83-run partnership with KL Rahul to help India clinch the win.
When the target was reduced to its final 15Kohli was unbeaten on 85 runs, this is when KL Rahul started declining easy singles to help Kohli complete his century.
Yes, you read that right. Not only singles were not taken, but there was also a Bangladesh wide a a further marginal leg-side wide, which was not given as Virat approached the landmark.
Fans Called Virat Kohli A ‘Selfish’ Player
However, there was a section of fans who trolled Virat for not giving strike to KL Rahul. Check out how fans blamed Virat for being a ‘selfish’ player:
Last over of Virat Kohli’s Selfish Innings, No one would have that Virat will be this Selfish.
Hall of Shame Inning#ShameOnKohli#INDvsBANhttps://t.co/OeqbGsxY2R
— Immy|| 🇮🇳 (@TotallyImro45) October 19, 2023
Name a more selfish player than Virat Kohli I’ll leave twitter forever.
You lost all the respect today 💔#ShameOnKohli pic.twitter.com/X7nRSE9ATe
— Nisha (@NishaRo45_) October 19, 2023
KL Rahul Gave A Perfect Reply To Trolls
Meanwhile, after the match, Rahul confirmed that it was his idea for Kohli to pursue the century with the result effectively in the bag. KL Rahul revealed his conversation with Kohli in the middle, he said:
“He was confused actually. He said ‘It’ll not look too nice not to take the single. It’s still a World Cup. It’s still a big stage. So I don’t want to look like I am just trying to get the milestone’”.
He added:
“But I said: ‘It’s not won, but I think we’ll win it quite easily so if you can get to the milestone, why not. You must try, and he did that at the end and I wasn’t going to run the singles anyway,”
