Playing So Many Games Is Hard On The Body: KL Rahul

KL Rahul has been in prolific form of late. The 27-year-old was instrumental in India winning a historic T20I series on Kiwi soil. The player of the series of the 5-match contest highlighted the work-load faced by the current crop of cricketers.

He said that playing at a stretch takes a toll on the body. In the month gone by, Virat Kohli’s men have played a total of seven T20Is and an ODI series against Australia. The packed schedule can result in burn out apart from wear and tear due to the crunch scenario of international cricket and the need to deliver consistently at the highest level.

KL Rahul turns focus on work-load

Ahead of the series against New Zealand, skipper Kohli had echoed similar concerns. He had said that cricketers are getting closer and closer to landing at the stadium and playing cricket straight. Apart from mental fatigue, injuries are also a concern for teams with very little window for off-days.

“Every month we have been playing so many games. It is hard on the body so we have been working hard, to stay mentally and physically fit to keep putting up performances like this,” Rahul was quoted as saying in the post-match press-conference.

India sealed the series 5-0 and have been unbeaten this year. While New Zealand showed a bit of fight, the visitors have excelled in pressure situations and turned the table in their favor, including the two Super Overs. Rahul said not getting complacent and pushing for a win is what makes winning special amidst all the challenges.

“Every time we have been challenged and pushed, and played some really competitive teams. We have always stayed calm, that’s been the biggest takeaway. Previously we had series where we would win the series and not be challenged. But the last few series have been really challenging for us,” Rahul opined.