For K.L. Rahul it was the moment of reckoning when he was informed by teammates about selection in the Indian team to tour Australia for the Test series next month. He was on the field at the Gymkhana ground here on Monday afternoon, playing against Tamil Nadu in the K.S. Subbaiah Pillai Trophy South Zone cricket tournament when the news broke.
“This is a big day in my life. I thank my parents, coaches, KSCA officials, especially Brijesh Patel sir and the national selectors, for having faith in me,” remarked Rahul.
“The India call means a lot to me. I have been waiting for this moment and I am glad that my big innings came at the right time and caught the attention of the selectors.
“I have been preparing really hard this season for this moment. I was confident that consistent performances would be recognised one day,” the 22-year-old Karnataka opener said. “It has been a very tough journey for me, coming from a small town in Karnataka as a 12-year-old. It is always a great feeling to see your parents and coaches dream about you making it big. They had tremendous belief in me, and supported me right through,” Rahul said.
On being compared to Rahul Dravid, he said the cricketing great had always been a role model for him. We are lucky to have legends like GRV sir (G.R. Viswanath, who was his under-15 coach), Dravid, (Javagal) Srinath, (Anil) Kumble to help young cricketers,” he said.
Did the comparison with Dravid mean extra pressure? “Not really. Actually, it gave me a lot of joy to be recognised in such a way. It made me realise that I could go a long way if I put in the work and played to my potential,” he said.
Is he ready for the big battle in Australia, where the pitches and the conditions will be different? “Yes, of course. IItwill be a different ball game altogether. I know it is not going to be easy, but you tend to learn a few things playing with some of the best in the business.”
Reflecting on who was the biggest influence on his career, Rahul said it would be difficult to pick one or two. “But, I must say everyone with whom I played or was coached by played his bit,” he said.
Karnataka coach J. Arun Kumar is equally excited. “His work ethic is great, and he is very strong mentally. He is there (Indian team) to stay for sure,” said the equally elated coach.
Our Bangalore Correspondent adds: Former India cricketer Rahul Dravid has expressed joy over the selection of Karnataka opener K.L. Rahul in the Test squad. “Happy for him and I hope he does well. He is in good form and has the technique to do well,” Dravid said.
The batting great had kind words for Robin Uthappa too, who was picked in the ODI squad for the last two matches against Sri Lanka. “Great to also see Robin has got a well-deserved call-up in the ODI side,” Dravid said.
