Kananur Lokesh Rahul was India’s top run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2023, with 169 runs in three innings at an average of 84.50 and a strike rate 100.00. He scored a match-winning century against Pakistan in the Super Four stage and followed it up with a crucial 39 against Sri Lanka in the Cricket final.
Rahul’s performances were all the more impressive, considering he was returning from a long injury layoff. He had missed the group stages of the Asia Cup due to a thigh injury, but he made a triumphant comeback in the Super Four stage.
Rahul’s century against Pakistan was one of the highlights of the tournament. He came to the crease with India struggling at 26/3, but he played a calm and composed innings to guide his team to a victory. He hit ten fours and one six in his innings and remained unbeaten on 111.
Rahul’s performance in the final against Sri Lanka was also crucial. He came to the crease with India in a spot of bother at 53/2, but he stitched together a 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli to put India back on track. He was eventually dismissed for 39, but his knock helped India set a challenging target of 214 for Sri Lanka.
Rahul’s performances in the Asia Cup 2023 show he is back to his best form. He will be one of India’s key players in the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023.
