Fit-Again KL Rahul Keen To Give His Best In Sri Lanka Series

Being on the sidelines and missing big tournaments due to injuries is very frustrating for any cricketer and KL Rahul is no different.

The India-opener is out of action since the conclusion of the four-match Test series against Australia in March. The Karnataka batsman had suffered a shoulder injury right during the first match in Pune but went on to play all the Tests through the pain barrier and emerged as the second-highest run getter for India behind Cheteshwar Pujara (405) with 393 runs from 7 innings including six half-centuries.

But he had to play a big price for playing with an injured shoulder as he was ruled of the Indian Premier League in addition to missing the opportunity of playing his first ICC event, the Champions Trophy following a surgery for the injury.

“Missing tournaments due to injury is a part and parcel of the game for a player. Of course, I miss playing cricket, being part of the IPL, it is the biggest tournament in India. And the Champions Trophy would have been the first world (ICC) tournament that I would have played. It could have been a big moment in my career, I was looking forward to play in the Champions Trophy. It is a little bit frustrating,” Rahul said.

Rahul has been on rehabilitation process for quite some time now and has regained the fitness just in time to get a place in India’s Test squad for the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka starting on July 26. Speaking about his recovery process, the right-handed batsman said it took a toll on him not only physically but also mentally.

“It’s been around three months that I had the surgery for my shoulder injury. I have worked hard to recover and attain the required fitness to get back to international cricket and give my best at the Sri Lanka series. It has been challenging not just physically but also mentally and emotionally,” he said.

“To be at home and not do anything is frustrating. Now I have taken care of my recovery to come back stronger,” he added.

Rahul’s short international career has been marred by several injuries so far but the 25-year old seemed to have learnt his lessons and is now taking an extra care of his fitness.

“It’s not nice to get injured so often at the age of 24-25 and especially since I have been in great form. I am playing all the three formats for my country. Now is the time I want to start playing more games. I am doing everything right. I am taking care of my fitness and nutrition,” he said.

“I have been focusing on getting fitter by the minute. I am training in the nets and hitting the ball well,” added Rahul.