I Was Not Stressed Despite The High Competition In The Indian Team: KL Rahul

India’s wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul finally found some form in the first ODI against England, as he slammed a quick-fire half-century batting at no.5 and helping the team reach a competitive total of 317/5.

This was a welcome knock for Rahul, who was chastised for his continuous failures in the preceding T20I series, where he scored just 15 runs in 4 innings, which included back-to-back ducks. He was finally dropped for the series-deciding fifth ODI when Virat Kohli opened in his spot and smacked 80*.

Playing Games Is What Keeps Me In Good Touch: KL Rahul

KL Rahul had played the T20I series was India, after being on the sidelines for three months, as he was not a part of the Indian Test XI for both the Australia Test series down under and the England series at home, despite being in the squad.

“As a batsman I feel being in the middle and playing games is what keeps me in good touch. Having not got as much game time as I would have liked, I mean I won’t say it did not play on my mind, but somehow or the other you have to find a way to be best prepared, be it at training or open net sessions,” KL Rahul said on the eve of the second ODI.

Rahul further talked about the competition getting tougher in the Indian team with Rishabh Pant staging his comeback in the white-ball cricket and Ishan Kishan also making an impactful debut for India in the T20I series.

“Look when you are a part of this Indian team you know that competition is going to be really, really high and you can never sit back and feel comfortable like you own a position. You will always be challenged and that’s how it is. Our country has got a lot of talent, you will always try to push yourself and keep training harder and working on your game. And when opportunity comes, try to grab it with both hands,” he added.

One Has To Question Own Self On Whether The Preparation Has Been Adequate Or Not: KL Rahul

He further said that the lean patch during the T20I series didn’t really stress him as he had full faith in his preparation and called it a part of a journey for an international cricketer. He further mentioned that one has to question own self on whether the preparation has been up to the mark or not.

“I asked myself, if I was prepared well and training hard? Was there anything which I didn’t do in terms of preparation? If I did and after that, if I don’t score runs, I can accept that,” he said.

KL Rahul will be seen in action when India faces England in the second ODI of the three-match series on March 26 in Pune.

Also Read: ‘He Is Somebody Who Will Catch Your Eye’: KL Rahul Not Surprised By Prasidh Krishna’s Immediate Success In International Cricket