Champions Trophy: Okay.L. Rahul says he’s prepared for a brand new problem

Driving power: Rahul is likely one of the key members of the Indian middle-order in ODIs. File
| Picture Credit score: PTI

Okay.L. Rahul has been one of many pillars of India’s middle-order batting in ODIs in the previous few years and has owned the No. 5 spot. Nevertheless, in latest occasions, because the Males in Blue have appeared to combine issues up by having a left-right combo, Rahul has usually needed to come down a place or two to accommodate Axar Patel at 5.

Within the opening encounter towards Bangladesh, Rahul scored an important unbeaten 41 (47b) when the workforce was in slight bother at 144 for 4 chasing 229.

The 32-year-old, who additionally dons the massive gloves, mentioned he was prepared for the brand new problem.

“It’s by no means straightforward for anybody within the workforce to maneuver completely different locations. However that’s how the sport goes. Regardless of the workforce thinks is the very best mixture and what they really feel is the very best entry level for the participant, you permit it to them and simply attempt to do your job,” mentioned Rahul forward of India’s closing group recreation within the Champions Trophy towards New Zealand on Sunday.

Giving an perception into how he has to adapt to the brand new function, Rahul revealed he appears to be like to coach with previous balls and dry pitches to simulate the situations wherein he would possibly get to bat.

“I is perhaps strolling in with eight or possibly 10 to 12 overs to go; no more than if we (have) batted effectively. So, I realised after I go in, I have to have that skill-set to go in and be capable to hit sixes in all probability from ball one or play at a excessive strike charge.”

“As quickly as I am going in (nets), I problem myself to see if I can hit a six of the primary couple of deliveries or boundaries. What number of boundaries can I hit within the first 10 balls? That’s extra real looking to what I would get right here. And that’s the one method you give your self the very best probability to succeed and do what the workforce expects of you,” he added.

With Rishabh Pant within the squad because the second wicketkeeper, Rahul is conscious of the competitors however believes in staying true to his strengths.

“There’s — I received’t lie,” mentioned Rahul about not having lots of margin of error contemplating the competitors for his spot. “I imply, he’s a gifted participant and proven how aggressive he’s and the way shortly he can change the sport.

The temptation

“There’s all the time the temptation for the workforce (captain or coach) to play one in every of us. But when given the chance, I attempt to see what I can do finest. I’m not making an attempt to compete with Rishabh or making an attempt to play like him. So, I attempt to do what I do finest and keep on with my recreation.”