T20 World Cup 2022: KL Rahul pulls off MS Dhoni's iconic helicopter shot in warm-up game against Australia

Indian vice-captain and opening batter KL Rahul produced a standout performance against Australia in the warm-up game at the Gabba on Monday, sharpening his batting in preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. KL Rahul was in attacking mode from the start, which helped India get a good start in the powerplay as Rohit Sharma, his opening partner, played the second fiddle.

While batting against Australia, KL Rahul attempted MS Dhoni’s iconic helicopter shot and sent Pat Cummin’s delivery for a humongous six. Showcasing his skillset at the Gabba, Rahul’s shot grabbed attention as he hit the six with great confidence and sheer ease. Cummins did not take that well and came up with a fierce response on the next ball by bowling a dangerous bouncer, which directly hit Rahul on his helmet.

Rahul was determined to reach his half-century in the thrilling practice game between the two sides despite taking that nasty hit. Rahul eventually scored 57 runs off just 33 balls in the game, which included three sixes and six fours. At the end of India’s innings, KL Rahul was the top-scorer of the match, followed by Suryakumar Yadav who also got his fifty.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and former skipper Virat Kohli were unable to capitalize on their individual starts. While Kohli was removed for 19 off 13 balls, hitting a six and a four, Rohit made 15 off 14 balls, also smashing a six and a four. Middle-order batter Dinesh Karthik scored a quick 14-ball 20 before walking off and Suryakumar Yadav played the key innings for the Men in Blue after Rahul left.

Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav’s respective fifties, followed by cumulative efforts by the other batters helped India reach 186/7 at the end of their 20-overs quota. After the Australia game, India will face New Zealand in another warm-up fixture before taking on Pakistan in their first match of the T20 World Cup 2022 on October 23, Sunday.