New Delhi: Team India adopted a new strategy in the second ODI played between India and Zimbabwe. When Shubman Gill had opened the innings as an opener with Shikhar Dhawan in the first ODI, fans and cricket pundits had suggested that KL Rahul should have come out to open the innings with Dhawan instead of Gill as it is Rahul who will play in the Asia Cup 2022. KL Rahul didn't get a chance to bat against Zimbabwe in the series opener, which India won comfortably. In the second ODI at Harare, KL Rahul came out to bat as an opener but he failed miserably and was dismissed for just one run.
Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 161 runs in the second ODI. When Team India came out to chase this target, KL Rahul came to open with Shikhar Dhawan, the fans liked this decision because Rahul, making his comeback from injury, needed practice.
Unfortunately, luck didn't favor the wicket-keeper as in the second over of India's innings, the ball hit his pads after which the on-field umpire declared him LBW out. KL Rahul even opted for a review after discussion with Shikhar Dhawan but this review went in vain and the captain of Team India had to return after scoring almost nothing.
Reacting to his cheap dismissal, Rahul had a hilarious two-word reply saying 'Didn't work.' "I wanted to get some runs but it didn't happen. Hopefully in the next game," he added.
India's tour of Zimbabwe is KL Rahul's first international assignment ever since the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Just when Rahul attained fitness after recovering from his injury, he tested Covid-19 positive. Rahul's injury led to him missing India's home series against South Africa, overseas ODI series against West Indies, and England tour.