KL Rahul credited IPL for his prolific form
Jun 12, 2016 at 11:23 AM
India achieves a feat in the form of opener KL Rahul as the right-handed Karnataka batsman has become the first Indian cricketer to score hundred on debut and 11th in the world in One Day International cricket
Rahul, who made his ODI debut against Australia 2014-2015, shepherds India’s chase against Zimbabwe’s feeble total 168.
He scored his maiden hundred with a six off Hamilton Masakadza in the third ball of the 43rd over.
Now India took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Rahul has already shown his temperament in Test cricket, but this seasons he proves his caliber in T20 cricket playing a crucial role in the middle order. He helps the Bangalore franchise to win a couple of matches when Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers failed to fire.
Rahul after helping India win the match said youngsters like him didn’t come here to prove themselves as they came to play and enjoy the international cricket exposure.
Being asked his selection in the second string ODI and t20 team of India,Rahul has made a point for himself with the 2017 Champions Trophy is just a year away. And India will possible will go with a suitable replacement in the opening department.
“None of us is here to prove any point. We are happy to come out and do well in international cricket and understand the difference in domestic and international cricket. We are here to learn. MS Dhoni is here and it gives us a chance to speak to him, take his feedback. All of us have done well in IPL and we came into the series with confidence to play aggressive cricket,” Rahul said at the post-match press conference.
Talking about his brilliant 115 balls hundred Rahul said a small target allowed him to bat with freedom and shape his knock.
“The initial plans was to see the new ball off since it was doing a bit. I had a set plan, once I played the first 10 overs, hit a few balls from the middle of the bat I knew (I can bat long).”
Rahul also credited IPL for improvement of his limited over batting.
“I came here after a good IPL and just carried the same momentum. I was watching the ball well. The target was not big, so kept it simple, just worked the ball around.”
“It’s a great relief for me to get an ODI hundred and in the first match, it’s very special.”
The orthodox Karnataka batsman also said the failure in his international debut against Australia also helped to progress as a cricketer.
It was a great learning. If I had not got that failure in Australia from Test debut I would not have been doing well. I learnt my lessons, I gave myself time,” Rahul said.
Asked if he found changes in his personality after being successful in the last few months, Rahul again replied in negative.
“I have not changed one bit. If you ask my family, I was always like this. I just stick to my cricket, perform well for my team. The only thing is confidence is there after good performances. I have skill sets to do well in all three formats. I am just carrying confidence in this series,” he said.
“I kept things simple. I had all the shots in the book, when need be those shots have to come. Just let my instincts take over.
Rahul finished the match and completed his century with a six.
“Not much went through. I did not want many thoughts. I picked my spot. The bowler bowled there and I connected well.”