Higher strike rate was demand of innings: Rahul

GUWAHATI: Shortly after he let his bat do the talking amid criticism regarding his slow strike rate, India opener KL Rahul countered his detractors, saying that he bats according to the “demand of the innings.”

The India vice-captain’s strike rate had come under the scanner during the Asia Cup and his 56-ball unbeaten 51 against South Africa in the series opener in Thiruvananthapuram. “Yes, going at a higher strike rate was a demand of this innings,” said Rahul, who smashed 57 off just 28 deliveries (5 fours, 4 sixes) in the second South Africa T20I.

“When you are batting first, you obviously want to give yourself a couple of overs to assess the conditions and see what shots you can play. You sort of give yourself a target and then you try and play accordingly. We have always tried to be more aggressive, take a lot of risks. That was what was needed from me and I am happy that it came off,” Rahul added.

Not much to worry about, says Miller

South Africa batter David Miller has a firm belief that the series-defeat against India would not make it a lesser force at the T20 World Cup as he cited Australia’s title triumph in the previous edition despite its wretched run ahead of the big-ticket event.

“There are a lot of stories from the past with one being Australia not doing too well before the World Cup and then ending up winning the World Cup. So, I do not think it is too much to worry about,” Miller told reporters.

“We have built a really good squad over the last year and a half. We get on really well with each other. We have linked in nicely, great partnerships. We won a lot of series last year. To have lost the series was obviously disappointing, but in the past, we competed well. At least, we can walk away with our heads held high.”