Driving drive: Rahul is likely one of the key members of the Indian middle-order in ODIs. File
| Photograph Credit score: PTI
Okay.L. Rahul has been one of many pillars of India’s middle-order batting in ODIs in the previous couple of years and has owned the No. 5 spot. Nonetheless, in current instances, because the Males in Blue have regarded to combine issues up by having a left-right combo, Rahul has usually needed to come down a place or two to accommodate Axar Patel at 5.
Within the opening encounter in opposition to Bangladesh, Rahul scored a significant unbeaten 41 (47b) when the crew was in slight hassle at 144 for 4 chasing 229.
The 32-year-old, who additionally dons the large gloves, stated he was prepared for the brand new problem.
“It’s by no means simple for anybody within the crew to maneuver totally different locations. However that’s how the sport goes. Regardless of the crew thinks is the very best mixture and what they really feel is the perfect entry level for the participant, you allow it to them and simply attempt to do your job,” stated Rahul forward of India’s last group sport within the Champions Trophy in opposition to New Zealand on Sunday.
Giving an perception into how he has to adapt to the brand new function, Rahul revealed he appears to coach with previous balls and dry pitches to simulate the circumstances wherein he would possibly get to bat.
“I may be strolling in with eight or perhaps 10 to 12 overs to go; no more than if we (have) batted effectively. So, I realised after I go in, I must have that skill-set to go in and have the ability to hit sixes in all probability from ball one or play at a excessive strike price.”
“As quickly as I’m going in (nets), I problem myself to see if I can hit a six of the primary couple of deliveries or boundaries. What number of boundaries can I hit within the first 10 balls? That’s extra sensible to what I’d get right here. And that’s the one method you give your self the perfect likelihood to succeed and do what the crew expects of you,” he added.
With Rishabh Pant within the squad because the second wicketkeeper, Rahul is conscious of the competitors however believes in staying true to his strengths.
“There may be — I received’t lie,” stated Rahul about not having a number of margin of error contemplating the competitors for his spot. “I imply, he’s a proficient participant and proven how aggressive he’s and the way rapidly he can change the sport.
The temptation
“There’s at all times the temptation for the crew (captain or coach) to play one among us. But when given the chance, I attempt to see what I can do greatest. I’m not making an attempt to compete with Rishabh or making an attempt to play like him. So, I attempt to do what I do greatest and keep on with my sport.”
Revealed – March 01, 2025 10:19 am IST
