'Criticism seriously misplaced' - Aakash Chopra defends KL Rahul after getting trolled for 'slow batting' against South Africa

Aakash Chopra, KL Rahul (Image Credit: Twitter)

KL Rahul scored a valiant fifty on a wicket that was tough for the batters and the bowlers enjoyed. Chasing a modest total of 107, India had a poor start as they lost Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli early. Not to forget, South African pacers, Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, and Anrich Nortje were creating problems for the home side. After playing 31 balls, Rahul scored only 14 runs with two fours.

The right-hander changed his gears after hitting his first six on the last ball of the 10th over. After this, he joined the party with Suryakumar Yadav, who was going very well on the other end. Both players scored a half-century. Yadav scored an unbeaten 50 off 33 balls while Rahul scored remained unbeaten at 51 off 56 balls. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has defended the batting approach of Rahul.

Chopra said that criticism of India's vice-captain's batting approach is 'seriously misplaced'. The former cricketer explained how that kind of innings was needed and why the Proteas could only score 106/8. The Delhi-player in fact praised KL or his knock.

"The criticism of KL Rahul’s batting approach last night was seriously misplaced…there’s a reason why the opponents scored only 106 in 20 overs and your team was 2 down for not much. It was a top quality knock by KLR, for he chose to fight it out. Well played #IndvSA," Chopra tweeted.

The criticism of KL Rahul’s batting approach last night was seriously misplaced…there’s a reason why the opponents scored only 106 in 20 overs and your team was 2 down for not much. It was a top quality knock by KLR, for he chose to fight it out. Well played 👏👏 #IndvSA

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 29, 2022

India leading by 1-0 in the three-match T20I series

The Men In Blue had a dream start in the game against the Green Brigade. Arshdeep Singh and Deepak Chahar made the most of the opportunity. The duo pegged their opponents back as they shared five wickets for nine runs. Singh took three while Chahar took two.

The Temba Bavuma-led side couldn't recover from the early wickets and was restricted to 106/8. Keshav Maharaj scored 41 to avoid the team getting all-out a lower total. Rohit Sharma-led side chased down the target in just 16.4 overs. The next game will be played on October 2 in Guwahati