I am most comfortable opening the batting
HYDERABAD: KL Rahul was asked to bat in the middle order in ODIs recently and also at No 3 in the recentlyconcluded Nidahas T20 Trophy in Sri Lanka. Cut to 2018 IPL, and the 26-yearold is back to opening the batting for Kings XI Punjab. Rahul talks on his journey so far.
Excerpts
Does opening the batting have a lot to do with your current form?
That’s the position I am most comfortable in. I have opened the batting all my life. I know exactly how to pace my innings when I open the batting. While batting in powerplay, you have so much time. You have the whole 20 overs to yourself.
Your opening partner Chris Gayle is a natural hitter. What tricks have you picked up from him?
I love how Chris Gayle is so still at the crease. He believes in his strength and that he can clear any ground. That’s mostly why he hits those big sixes, because he’s always in great position without trying to hit the ball too hard. Watching that from the other end, even I try to do that. Maybe I can’t hit the ball as far as he does but I try to stay balanced in the crease. That gives me the best opportunity to get as many runs as I can.
How do you see Ashwin as a captain?
Ashwin has been great with the team. He is someone who is proactive and spends a lot of time with the younger bowlers. He has been clear about what he expects out of the team and that is to be fearless and do as your instincts tell you. He has given the players cushion and freedom.
As a player, are you feeling better than 2016 when you scored close to 400 runs?
That year gave me lot of confidence. Coaches and team members observed that ‘KL Rahul is not only a Test player but he can play all formats.’ That gives you confidence. So, 2016 was revolutionary for me. It was where I discovered my own self. Right now, I am batting a little bit better.
But you were not retained by RCB...
That’s how the IPL goes. I would love to play for RCB because it is close to me. The team played a big part in where I am today, because of the opportunities that they gave me. But I am honoured by the love that Kings XI has given.