ENG vs IND: “Another opportunity for me to go out and challenge myself” – KL Rahul on brilliant comeback in Test cricket

ENG vs IND: “Another opportunity for me to go out and challenge myself” – KL Rahul on brilliant comeback in Test cricket

KL Rahul

Indian batsman KL Rahul has made an empathic comeback in red-ball cricket during the maiden Test match against England at Trent Bridge. 

The 29-year-old was previously picked as a middle-order batsman for the five-match series. However, he was given a chance to open alongside Rohit Sharma, owing to injuries to India’s regular openers Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal. Rahul ensured to make the most out of the opportunity given to him as he smashed 84 runs in the first inning of the Nottingham Test. He emerged as the top-scorer of his side as India posted a decent total of 278 in reply to the hosts’ 183.

During the press conference at the end of day three’s play, Rahul stated that he was mentally prepared for this last-minute decision of the team management as he’s played as an opener most of the time in his career.

“In the last two years, I have learnt that you have to be ready to do anything (for the team). I have been asked to play different roles a lot of times and I quite enjoy doing it. So this was another opportunity for me to go out and challenge myself. Obviously, the Test cricket that I have played so far, I have opened the batting. It is something that I have done all my life. So I knew how to go about things and build the innings. When the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to go out there and grab the opportunity,” said KL Rahul

“Pressure is back on the opposition now”

Joe Root celebrates his double century (Phtoto - BCCI)
England will heavily depend on Joe Root’s batting performance in the second innings

KL Rahul went on to say that the pressure is back on the English side after conceding a healthy lead of 95 runs. In reply, Joe Root’s men are currently placed at 25/0 with two days still left in the opening match of the series.

“Yes, obviously, the first innings lead is very important for us. After bowling so well and dismissing them for 180, as batters, our role was to cover the target and then [we knew] whatever runs we score above that will be good for our team, will be a cushion for our bowlers and will put us ahead of the game,” he added.

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