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 strong resolve in KL Rahul’s batting was there to see on the first morning of the second Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday.
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. He missed the first Test in Galle, India’s first series since the home matches, due to fever.
While his opening partner Shikhar Dhawan batted without a care in the world, going for his shots from the start, Rahul was resolute and prepared to wait for the right delivery. It helped him complete his sixth successive halfcentury (57), and 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 even happier I could start off with a fifty and make some contribution to the team,” said Rahul, looking satisfied after making a successful comeback.
“I have been injured a few times, 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
m y 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.”
FINDING RHYTHM
For someone who had been out for long, the impressive part about Rahul’s game was how he straightaway found his rhythm, sure of his footwork and shot selection. It pointed to his strong basics. While sharing his frustration at not being able to do anything during the recovery process, Rahul spoke about how it helps analyse other batsmen’s game.
ANALYSING OTHERS
“When you are sitting out and when you are seeing your teammates doing well, you do feel very happy but you also feel 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.”