It Has Humbled Me A Little Bit, Says KL Rahul On Recent Controversy

The outcome of the just concluded T20I series between India and Australia was always going to be secondary given the 50-over World Cup. The series was used as a preparation for the World Cup and the India team-management would be delighted that one of their experiments passed the test with flying colours. The series marked the return of KL Rahul in international cricket and he grabbed the opportunity with both the hands to bolster his case as the backup opener for the World Cup.

While Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, the incumbent openers, played a game each, Rahul played both. On Wednesday, Australia asked India to bat first and bowled a tight line in the initial overs. That Dhawan managed to score just 14 off 24 deliveries makes things pretty clear. However, the scoreboard was moving at a good pace and the reason was Rahul’s sheer brilliance. Rahul, who had smashed 50 in the first T20I, slammed 47 this time around with the help of three fours and 4 sixes to give India a stunning start.

Captain Virat Kohli then hit an unbeaten 72 to ensure India do not throw away the start as the hosts piled up 190 for 4. However, just like the first game, Rahul’s efforts went in vain as a century from Glenn Maxwell guided Australia to a series win.

An outstanding knock of 113* from Maxwell guides the visitors to a 7-wkt victory in the second T20I.

Australia win the series 2-0 #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/CAdMFQdBa5

— BCCI (@BCCI) February 27, 2019

The series, nonetheless, would have assured the Indian team-management that Rahul has recovered from the talk show controversy that saw him getting suspended. Speaking after the game, Rahul said that episode made him value his cricket a lot more.

“It has humbled me a little bit. I obviously respect the opportunity I have got to play for the country. It is the dream of every kid and I am no different. Just to value where I am and keep making the opportunities count, put my head down and keep working on my cricket,” KL Rahul said.

Expressing his delight over returning to the team, he said:

“It’s nice to be back with the boys and be back in blue. I got some time off and worked on my game. Just happy that I have tasted a bit of success in the last two games and my batting has come out pretty well.

“It has been a hard time, no doubt. As a player, as a person everyone has to go through difficult times and it was my time to go through that. As I said it gave me the time to reflect on my game, on myself. I have always been somebody who takes things as it comes and I am just happy to be back here now,” added KL Rahul.

Both the teams, meanwhile, will now lock horns in the five-match ODI series, starting on March 2.