‘Forgot what my position was in last few years’: KL Rahul says his ordinary Test average ‘hurts’ after Leeds century
KL Rahul’s stoic second-innings century not only stubbed England’s early attempts at derailing India on day four of the Leeds Test on Monday, but it was also a gruelling record-breaking knock that impressed the opener with the assurance of having a stable position in the team.
After missing out on a fifty in the first innings, Rahul’s knock came under immense pressure after India lost captain Shubman Gill early in the day to Brydon Carse. However, with a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket alongside wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, Rahul thwarted Ben Stokes and Co. for a major part of the day’s play and ensured India offered a stiffening 371-run target for the hosts shortly before stumps.
Despite the plaudits for his compact technique, Rahul’s Test average continues to linger in the mid-30s in a stop-start career that has spanned a decade. After becoming the first Asian opener to record three Test tons in England, Rahul opened up on having occasionally lost the plot in recent years when he has played across the board as a middle-order batter and a makeshift opener. However, following former India skipper Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, Rahul has seized the opportunity in the opening match of the new World Test Championship cycle.
“The last couple of years I’ve forgotten what my position is and what I’m comfortable doing. I’m happy to be given different responsibilities and different roles. Makes the game exciting and makes me want to challenge myself and train that much harder and work on my game a little bit more. So I’ve quite enjoyed doing that,” Rahul told reporters after scoring 137 off 247 deliveries.
KL Rahul crafts a classy ton in testing conditions
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