India's assistant coach highlights KL Rahul's classy century at No. 5 while discussing batting strategies post-match.

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate praised KL Rahul’s century despite the team’s seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the second One Day International of the three-match series. Speaking after the match, ten Doeschate described Rahul’s innings as a “quality hundred,” highlighting its importance even as India failed to defend their total.

KL Rahul scored his eighth ODI century, anchoring India’s batting effort in challenging circumstances. Batting at number five, the wicketkeeper-batter showed composure and adaptability, rebuilding the innings and providing stability after early setbacks. His knock stood out as one of the few positives for India on a difficult day.

Addressing the media in the post-match press conference, ten Doeschate emphasized that Rahul’s innings reflected both skill and temperament. He noted that the century came at a crucial time for the team and underlined Rahul’s growing responsibility in the middle order.

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The assistant coach also spoke about India’s broader batting strategy, particularly the use of all-rounders in the sixth, seventh, and eighth positions. He explained that team management is looking to maintain balance by ensuring depth in both batting and bowling, allowing flexibility depending on match situations and conditions.

New Zealand, meanwhile, chased down the target comfortably to level the series and force a decider in the final ODI. While the loss exposed areas of concern for India, the coaching staff indicated that performances like Rahul’s would be key as the team looks to regroup and address shortcomings ahead of the series-deciding match.

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