Driving power: Rahul is among the key members of the Indian middle-order in ODIs. File
| Photograph Credit score: PTI
Ok.L. Rahul has been one of many pillars of India’s middle-order batting in ODIs in the previous few years and has owned the No. 5 spot. Nevertheless, in current instances, because the Males in Blue have appeared 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 an important unbeaten 41 (47b) when the group was in slight hassle at 144 for 4 chasing 229.
The 32-year-old, who additionally dons the large gloves, mentioned he was prepared for the brand new problem.
“It’s by no means simple for anybody within the group to maneuver totally different locations. However that’s how the sport goes. Regardless of the group thinks is the absolute best mixture and what they really feel is one of the best entry level for the participant, you permit it to them and simply attempt to do your job,” mentioned Rahul forward of India’s closing 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 position, Rahul revealed he seems to be to coach with previous balls and dry pitches to simulate the situations by which he would possibly get to bat.
“I is perhaps strolling in with eight or perhaps 10 to 12 overs to go; no more than if we (have) batted nicely. So, I realised once I go in, I have to have that skill-set to go in and be capable of hit sixes in all probability from ball one or play at a excessive strike charge.”
“As quickly as I am 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 lifelike to what I’d get right here. And that’s the one approach you give your self one of the best probability to succeed and do what the group 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’s — I gained’t lie,” mentioned Rahul about not having quite a lot 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 shortly he can change the sport.
The temptation
“There’s all the time the temptation for the group (captain or coach) to play certainly one of us. But when given the chance, I try to see what I can do greatest. I’m not attempting to compete with Rishabh or attempting to play like him. So, I attempt to do what I do greatest and follow my sport.”
Revealed – March 01, 2025 10:19 on is
