In a thrilling finish at the Baroda Cricket Association Ground in Vadodara, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul steered the Indian cricket team to a victory in the first One Day International against New Zealand on January 12, 2026. His composed, unbeaten knock of 29 runs from just 21 balls ensured India chased down a target of 301 runs with relative ease in the final overs.
Rahul's Calm Finish and a Surprising Revelation
After the match, Rahul disclosed a crucial piece of information that added a layer of drama to the successful chase. He admitted he was unaware that his batting partner at the other end, all-rounder Washington Sundar, was severely hampered by a side strain and could barely run between the wickets. Sundar, who had hobbled off the field after bowling five overs earlier, bravely came out to bat but was clearly in discomfort.
"I didn't know he (Washington) couldn't run," Rahul revealed in the post-match presentation. "I knew he had a bit of an injury in the first innings, but I wasn't aware of the extent." Despite this, Sundar managed to contribute a valuable seven not out from seven deliveries, rotating the strike to allow Rahul to take control.
Top Order Sets the Platform for Chase
The foundation for India's successful pursuit of 301 was laid by the top order. Virat Kohli top-scored with a fluent 93, while captain Shubman Gill contributed a solid 56. Shreyas Iyer's brisk 49 further accelerated the innings, putting India on course. However, a mini-stumble brought Rahul and the lower order into the picture with the game still in the balance.
Rahul praised debutant Harshit Rana for his cameo, which alleviated pressure. "Harshit did a terrific job... He took a lot of pressure off me with the way he struck the ball," Rahul said. He emphasized that the required rate of around six to seven runs per over in the final stages was manageable at the international level.
Sundar's Injury and Pitch Assessment
Captain Shubman Gill confirmed that Washington Sundar would undergo a scan for the side strain he sustained while bowling. His availability for the remainder of the series is now in doubt.
Commenting on the playing conditions, Sundar, who also spoke after the game, stated the pitch in Vadodara remained consistent. "Not really. I thought it played pretty much the same throughout the 100 overs," he observed. He credited the new-ball partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, followed by the Gill-Kohli stand, for setting the perfect tempo and making the chase straightforward for the middle and lower order.
The victory gives India a 1-0 lead in the ODI series, showcasing the team's depth and ability to close out games under pressure, even with unexpected hurdles like a key player battling injury on the field.
