Team India’s injury concerns going into the World Cup seem to have been solved, as was evident in their dominating performance in the Asia Cup. Indian middle-order woes were solved by the comebacks of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul from their respective injuries. KL Rahul especially announced his return to international cricket with a sublime hundred against Pakistan, helping India deliver a hammering to their arch-rivals.
Rahul was also chosen to lead India in the first 2 ODIs in the series against Australia, and delivered on the responsibility by leading India to a 5-wicket victory in the first ODI while scoring a 50 himself. The Karnataka batter has proven his complete match fitness post his injury as he kept wickets, batted for long hours, and even took the mantle of captaincy albeit temporarily.
I think that question is answered for everyone who were concerned about my fitness – KL Rahul
KL Rahul was speaking to the media ahead of India’s clash against Australia at Indore and seemed to be confident about his game after making a comeback to the team post-injury. He had been a part of the playing eleven in all 4 of India’s matches in the Super 4 and played a key role behind the wickets with regard to DRS decisions and bowling advice.
“Everyone has seen me playing in the Asia Cup, I played all the games in the Super 4. I kept 50 overs, batted and scored runs as well, so I think that question is answered for everyone who were 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” said KL Rahul.
The keeper-batter injured his thigh while fielding during the IPL, and had to undergo surgery which made him miss the finals of the World Test Championships. He was named in the Indian squad for the Asia Cup despite scares of him being not fully ready. The player said that he was completely aware of the roles he would have to undertake upon his comeback and that he was preparing himself for it.
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 – KL Rahul
“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” he added.
KL Rahul has so far impressed with the bat in the five matches he has played, however, he had a below-par outing behind the wicket as he missed an easy run-out chance while fumbling a few times.
Rahul has had previous experience captaining the side in the IPL for Punjab Kings and Lucknow Supergiants, while also leading India in a Test match and a few ODIs in the absence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
“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” he stated.
KL Rahul will lead India once again in the Second ODI against Australia before Rohit Sharma makes a comeback into the team for India’s last international game before the World Cup.