World Cup: When Kapil Dev and KL Rahul had to rush from shower to rescue Team India

In Sunday's match against Australia, India was tottering at 2 for 3 after a top order collapse, chasing 200 to win against Australia. KL Rahul, the hero of India's win against Australia, had to rush to the crease to join Virat Kohli in the middle, just after finishing his shower. KL Rahul had also done the wicket-keeping duties during Australia's innings. The story also bears resemblance to Kapil Dev's historic knock of unbeaten 175 from 138 balls against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup match that helped India not only win the match but also keep their hopes alive of reaching the finals: Former India captain was having a shower when he was called in to bat.

"I felt I had time for a warm shower when the openers went out to bat. Who would have thought we'd be 9-4 and then 17-5 against Zimbabwe? When they called me in the bathroom, I honestly did not believe them and was angry. But then you all know what happened," Kapil Dev had earlier told ET in an interview.

KL Rahul also told a similar tale during the post match ceremony. "I had just taken a shower and was hoping to put my feet up for half an hour after the fielding innings, but I had to come in. Happy to play this for the team," KL Rahul said.


In the chase of 200, India were soon reduced to 2 for 3, losing Ishan Kishan, skipper Rohit Sharma, and Shreyas Iyer for ducks. Then KL Rahul (97 unbeaten in 115 balls with eight fours and two sixes) forged a 165-run stand between Virat Kohli (85 in 116 balls with six fours) to help India secure a six-wicket win. For Australia Josh Hazlewood (3/38) was the best bowler.

KL Rahul, who was awarded the man of the match award, said that the Chennai pitch was difficult to bat early on. "There was a bit of help for the fast bowlers early on. Towards the end, the dew played a bit of a part for them. The ball also skidded on better. It was still two-paced. It was not a great wicket to bat on, neither was it too difficult," he said.

Rahul also revealed that Virat Kohli told him to "play like Test cricket for a bit" in the early part of the innings.