KL Rahul has distressed that he never doubted himself although going through a run of low scores against England in the just-concluded T20I series.
The 28-year-old scored just 15 runs in 4 innings, as well as two ducks, and was consequently left out of the T20I series decider.
After the likes of Ishan Kishan and captain, Virat Kohli glowed at the top of the order, there were discussions about KL Rahul getting the axe in T20Is ahead of the World Cup end of the year.
Still, Rahul came roaring back into form as he loaded an unbeaten 62 off just 43 balls in the first ODI against England in Pune.
In a press conference onward of the 2nd ODI, KL Rahul clarified how he prepared himself mentally to make a strong return in the one-day series.
“I was always confident. There was never any doubt of confidence or self-belief. I was preparing well, hitting the ball well in the nets. I was sitting on the bench for a while and was excited about doing well in the T20I series. Every cricketer and every player wants to do that but sometimes it doesn’t happen. So you also have to accept that it will not always go your way,” said KL Rahul.
.@klrahul11 joins the run-scoring party! 👌👌
He brings up his 9th ODI fifty in 39 balls. 👏👏@Paytm #INDvENG #TeamIndia
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/MiuL1livUt pic.twitter.com/3cS5WchuVD
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 23, 2021
Happy that I could form a partnership with Krunal Pandya: KL Rahul
Batting first, India were in a spot of bother however a good start from their top 3. From 169-1, the receive declined to 205-5 and it was all down to KL Rahul and ODI debutant Krunal Pandya to take their squad to a good score with under 10 overs left.
Krunal came out all blasting away and that allowed KL Rahul to play personally in. Once he was set, Rahul got into the act and start to time the ball to ideal.
The duo extra a stunning 112 runs for the sixth wicket and back unscathed as the hosts released a match-winning total of 317-5.
KL Rahul was happy to be able to make an important contribution to India’s victory and give them a major 1-0 lead in the 3-match series.
“In one-day, batting at No.5, I could afford to take a bit of time in the middle, having hit a couple of shots from the middle of the bat did calm down a bit of nerve. After facing 20-25 balls I got more confidence and was happy that I could form a partnership with Krunal and we could take the team past 300,” Rahul said.
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