World Cup 2023: KL Rahul reveals why Virat Kohli didn’t take singles towards the end of the run chase against Bangladesh

In the thrilling encounter at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, the 17th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 featured India facing off against Bangladesh. While the Men in Blue emerged victorious against Bangladesh in the contest by a decent margin, it was Virat Kohli’s brilliant century that took centre stage. However, Kohli’s century received mixed reactions, with some calling it a selfish act as the batter didn’t take singles towards the end of the game to reach his milestone.

Virat Kohli denies singles to complete his hundred

It is worth mentioning that there was a moment in the game when Virat required 15 runs to reach his century, while India also needed 15 runs to secure the win. At this point, Kohli decided to go for the century and finish the game himself, opting not to take singles with KL Rahul at the non-striker’s end. Instead, he took singles only when he deemed it necessary, waiting until the last ball of the overs if he failed to hit a boundary.

KL Rahul reveals what transpired Virat not to take singles

In a candid conversation with Star Sports’ presenters and commentators, Rahul has now provided insight into what caused Kohli to deny singles towards the end of the match. He admitted that it was he who asked the batter to go for the three figures, revealing Kohli didn’t feel right and resisted.

“I denied a single to Virat Kohli; he said it would be bad if you won’t take singles, people will think I’m playing for a personal milestone. But I said we are comfortably winning, you complete your century,” Rahul explained.

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The game in review

Bangladesh Innings: 256/8 (50 Overs)

In the first innings of the game, Bangladesh posted a competitive total of 256/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Litton Das emerged as the standout performer for the Bangladeshi team, contributing 66 runs from 82 deliveries. Tanzid Hasan also made a notable contribution with 51 runs off 43 balls, while Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim added crucial runs in the middle order. The Indian bowlers, particularly Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, put up a commendable effort by securing two wickets each.

India’s Batting: 261/3 (41.3 Overs)

India’s reply was marked by a dominant display with the bat. The standout player in this performance was none other than Virat, who played a sensational knock of 103 runs from 97 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. Shubman Gill contributed valuable 53 runs to the run chase as well, as India comfortably achieved the target and clinched a convincing seven-wicket victory.

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