Indian stand-in skipper KL Rahul feels that he has answered the critics over his form and fitness heading into the Asia Cup 2023 in Sri Lanka. The 31-year-old has been at his absolute best since his return to the team during the continental event scoring a century against Pakistan in his comeback game after injury.
KL Rahul has brought much-needed stability to the middle order alongside Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya in the continental event. The Karnataka batter made the most of the opportunity provided to him to announce his resounding comeback.
Speaking to the media ahead of the 2nd ODI game against Australia, KL Rahul believes that he answered everyone about his fitness playing all the games in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup and the Wicket-keeper batter is hopeful of carrying his form in the next two months for the Indian team.
“Everyone has seen me playing in the Asia Cup, I played all the games in the Super Fours. I kept 50 overs, batted, and scored runs as well, so I think that question is answered for everyone who was concerned about my fitness. Hopefully, I’ll carry on in the same way with a big two months coming up with the World Cup and the Australia series,” KL Rahul said.
KL Rahul’s batting has helped the Indian team to play to operate freely at the top of the order as shown by his ability to bat at the crucial No.4 spot and the role of the finisher alongside Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja in the lower order down the order which can be crucial for the India’s chance in the ODI World Cup.
It Gives Me A Lot Of Confidence And I Also Enjoy Taking Responsibility – KL Rahul
KL Rahul revealed that he worked very hard on his fitness to make the World Cup team and that he is conscious that he will need to keep wickets once he returns from injury. He also mentioned that he enjoys the responsibilities that have been assigned to him.
“I knew when I would return to the side, I’d have to keep wickets and bat. The physical challenges are a lot more compared to when I am only batting. I knew this, so I worked very hard on my fitness. As cricketers, we know the challenges that we will have to face on the field and we try to replicate that at training and practice sessions.”
“They keep giving me more responsibilities, which shows that they believe and trust in my abilities. It gives me a lot of confidence and I also enjoy taking responsibility. It makes life and playing cricket a lot more fun,” KL Rahul added.
The 31-year-old missed out on the majority of the 2023 season due to an injury but worked very hard to put his best foot forward to be fit for the marquee event in the country after 12 long years.