Mumbai, Jan. 12 -- Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra lauded India's wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul's versatility and finishing ability after his unbeaten 29-run knock, which guided India to a four-wicket victory in a tense chase during the first game of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand at the BCA Stadium in Kotambi, Vadodara, on Sunday.

Chasing 301, India faced a scare as they were reduced to 242/5, when India all-rounder Harshit Rana joined KL Rahul at the crease.

Rahul, playing cautiously, stitched a 37-run innings with Rana, letting the all-rounder do the bulk of the scoring while he made sure that New Zealand didn't get his wicket, as that would have given the opposition a chance to get to the Indian tail.

After Ran...