VINTAGE RAHUL TO THE FORE

JUST before lunch on Day Two at the new Motera, KL Rahul whipped one delivery off Roston Chase past the close-in fielder at midwicket.

- SWAROOP SWAMINATHAN eee OA cxanecsens

Even before completing the single, the celebration had begun. This was a long time coming so he was determined to continue the celebrations. After completing the run, off came the helmet.

What would he do was a question that went around the press box? Would he take his fingers to make a gesture of shutting out the outside noise? In the end, he took the ring and middle-fingers of his left hand and appeared to suck on it while raising his bat again with the other hand. In hindsight, even that celebration was choreographed (it was for his daughter). And it was apt that was also choreographed because it was that kind of innings from the Indian opener.

He was so much in control of what he wanted to do, so in command of the situation.