KL Rahul, currently leading India as the stand-in captain, fondly remembers the historic moment when MS Dhoni smashed that unforgettable winning six in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka. It was a moment etched in the hearts of millions of Indian cricket fans, and now, Rahul aspires to recreate such euphoria in the upcoming World Cup 2023 .
Reflecting on that memorable day, KL Rahul shared, “I was in Bangalore, watching the game with a few friends. When we lost two quick wickets, we thought the game was slipping away. But when we secured victory, we drove to the bustling streets of Bangalore, and it was a spectacle. Everyone was jubilant and celebrating. It was a proud moment for all Indians, and we hope to relive it for our country.”
Currently, Rahul is leading the Indian team in the first two ODIs against Australia, building up to the World Cup. When asked about taking on the leadership role, he expressed, “The team management has shown immense faith in me over the past two years. They continue to entrust me with greater responsibilities, which demonstrates their belief in my abilities. It boosts my confidence, and I genuinely enjoy shouldering the responsibility. It adds more excitement to life and playing cricket.”
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Rahul marked a stunning return to international cricket after recovering from a right thigh injury by scoring an impressive 111 not out against Pakistan during the Super Four match of the victorious Asia Cup campaign. He continued his stellar form with a match-winning fifty in the ODI series opener, leading India to a five-wicket victory in Mohali.
“Everyone witnessed my performances in the Asia Cup, where I played in all the Super Four games. I took up wicket-keeping, batted, and scored runs. So, I believe that answers any concerns about my fitness. Hopefully, I’ll maintain the same momentum with two significant months ahead, featuring the World Cup and the Australia series.”
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Regarding his physical preparation for matches, Rahul explained, “I knew that upon my return to the side, I would have to keep wickets and bat. The physical demands are considerably higher compared to when I’m solely batting. I was well aware of this, so I dedicated myself to rigorous fitness training. As cricketers, we anticipate the challenges we’ll face on the field and strive to replicate them during training sessions.”
Rahul initially began his ODI career as an opener, but since the last World Cup in 2019, he has excelled as a middle-order batter. He believes that adapting to different roles and thriving under pressure situations have contributed to his success in the middle order.
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“Throughout my career, I primarily batted as an opener. When you open, you shape the game’s course from the start. Even when chasing, you understand the required score and approach with no pre-existing burden. There’s no fear of losing wickets or managing the required run rate.”
“But when you bat in the middle order, you confront the situation and respond accordingly. That’s the key distinction. I’ve been fortunate to have enough opportunities in the middle order to comprehend and adapt. Batting at positions 4 and 5 isn’t vastly different, but there’s a significant contrast between opening and batting in the middle order.”
Rahul views the upcoming series against Australia as excellent preparation for the Indian team ahead of the World Cup. “I believe it is. Australia enters the World Cup as one of the top contenders. They possess exceptional talent, including some players we compete with in the IPL, and we can witness their impact.”
“They visit India frequently, and they are as familiar with our pitches and conditions as we are. This series will showcase each team’s skill set on the grand stage. So, I’m genuinely excited about the series, and it’s the ideal way for us to challenge ourselves before the World Cup.”
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