Enjoy every knock like it’s my last, says Rahul
COLOMBO: Spending more than four months out of action can make you desperate; it can also make you determined. The resolve in KL Rahul’s batting was there to see on the first morning of the second Test.
In great form, Rahul braved a shoulder injury to play crucial knocks in the home Test series win against Australia in March and then underwent surgery. His comeback was delayed as he missed the first Test in Galle due to fever.
While opening partner Shikhar Dhawan batted without a care in the world, Rahul was resolute, prepared to wait for the right delivery. It helped complete his sixth successive half-century (57), seventh in eight innings, till an unfortunate run out. “Not being able to play cricket was tough, but once I am back I am really happy; and happier I could start off with a fifty and make some contribution to the team,” said Rahul.
“I have been injured a few times, which is very unfortunate and which is very disappointing. But each time I have come back more hungry. It’s (injuries) kind of taught me to value my position, value my opportunities each time I go out to the middle. I enjoy it and play it like it is my last game. That’s something that has really worked for me.”
For someone who had been out for long, it was impressive how Rahul straightaway found his rhythm, sure of footwork and shot selection. It indicated his strong basics. Frustrated during the recovery process, Rahul spoke about how it helps analysing other batsmen’s game.
“When you are sitting out and when you are seeing your teammates doing well, you feel very happy but also disappointed that it’s not you in that position doing the job for the country. Whatever time I have spent away from the game, I have watched the guys batting. Not just our guys, but I watch a lot of cricket. I see the guys and see what they are doing right and I try to bring that into my game.
“It’s disappointing I have not been able to convert that (into a hundred), but that will keep me more hungry. Each time I go back to bat, I will want to get more runs.”
When Rahul was run out, he gestured to partner Pujara that ‘it was my call’. He said: “I was disappointed because I have been away from the game so long and didn’t want to get out at all.”