India’s latest Test opening batsman K.L. Rahul is quite pragmatic while analysing his fledgling phase with the Indian team. It’s been a dream come true for the Karnataka youngster. How does he describe his tour to Australia and now the IPL.
“It’s an important phase and I am really enjoying it. Quite honestly it’s a dream run not only for happiness, I have also had the share of disappointments too; like in Australia in the first Test and in a few games in the IPL as well.
“I did not make use of the opportunities. Last year has taught me a lot. I have become a much stronger and better cricketer.’’
Rahul acknowledged he has gained a lot constantly picking the brains of Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor V.V.S. Laxman. “I worked with him last year as well. The interactions with him have always been about how you can get better in mind. He believes I have good enough skills to perform at the international level, how I can learn to handle pressure and to perform in different conditions.
“I don’t think there is a better player than Laxman, who has performed well in difficult circumstances for the country. I am making the most of the opportunity of having him around.’’
Aggressive style The 23-year-old also related the aggressive style of cricket Karnataka plays these days. “The brand of cricket we play is very aggressive. It has changed the way we think as individuals because we know our team is so good and winning.
“We go out with a lot of positive intent and aggression, knowing that if somebody fails someone else is there to take the responsibility. All the 15 guys who have been given the opportunity do it for the team’s sake. The coaches have done a great job.’’
Rahul talked about how the conditions in Australia are tough and how he prepared to face challenges. “Playing in Australia, especially when it’s your debut Test is not easy. They obviously make it harder.
“The players and the crowd are always against you. I enjoyed playing there. The wickets were really good. I had been there before the Test series.
“We got very different wickets when we went on the India ‘A’ tour. I learnt how the Australians go about their cricket. It was a great experience for me.
“Before I played my first Test, I sat out for a couple of Tests. It gave me time to get used to the wickets, to train hard and know where I can improve my batting. I worked on my batting and learnt from our coaches and the players around me. They were all very helpful and treated me like a person who has the skill and who can improve. They thought I was good enough to be there and made me comfortable.’’
He also said that India’s domestic system is very good. “For the amount of cricket we play, the infrastructure is amazing. Look at any young player who is coming up.
“People say Indians struggle against bounce and Indians don’t perform abroad. But if you look at it (closely) there are many young batsmen who have performed everywhere. Look at Virat (Kohli), Rohit (Sharma), Ajinjkya (Rahane), Shikhar (Dhawan) and Vijay (Murali); they got hundreds in New Zealand, England, South Africa and Australia.
“In Australia we were getting 400 runs in almost every innings and everybody looked very comfortable. Credit goes to the BCCI for the way youngsters are brought up.’’
