KL Rahul Reflects on Mindset Shift After Century in Leeds Test

KL Rahul's Transformation in International Cricket

Leeds [UK], June 24: Following his impressive century at Leeds, Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul shared insights into his evolving mindset in international cricket. He expressed that he now enjoys hitting balls rather than focusing on a 'quality over quantity' approach.

Continuing his remarkable performance in South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia (SENA) conditions, KL achieved his third century in England and sixth in SENA countries. His century, along with a 195-run partnership with Rishabh Pant, extended India's second innings lead to 370 runs, setting a challenging target of 371 for the hosts.

In a post-match interview, KL mentioned that he previously struggled to convert starts into significant scores. However, he now feels more relaxed and is no longer fixated on numbers. 'I am just getting runs now. There was a time when I was just getting starts, but not converting those to big scores in Tests especially. This stage of cricket I am at, journey I am at, a lot has changed. I am much calmer in my head and not chasing numbers. I am just enjoying my cricket as much as I can,' he stated.

Rahul acknowledged the influence of former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, with whom he has worked closely over the past 15-18 months. 'I have worked a lot with him, spent a lot of time with him in 15-18 months. I have gone back to basics, doing time. There was a time when I was in a quality over quantity mindset in international cricket and did not hit enough balls. Now I am back to enjoying hitting a lot of balls in the nets,' he added.

This year has been fruitful for KL Rahul, who has excelled in various roles across formats. In ODIs leading up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup, he primarily played as a dependable number five, accumulating 452 runs in 11 matches, including a century and two fifties. Notably, he scored a 62-ball century against the Netherlands, marking India's fastest in World Cup history.

Post-World Cup, he transitioned to a number six finisher role, contributing valuable innings. During India's ICC Champions Trophy victory, he excelled, scoring 140 runs in four innings at an average of 140.00 and a strike rate of 97.90. In the semifinals and finals against Australia and New Zealand, he made significant contributions with scores of 42* and 34* respectively.

In the Indian Premier League (IPL), KL amassed 539 runs in 13 innings at an average of 53.90, with a strike rate of 149.72, his best since the 2018 season. He played as an opener and also at numbers three and four, contributing a century and three fifties, finishing as the ninth-highest run-scorer while representing Delhi Capitals (DC).

Since the Test tour of Australia last year, KL has returned to his usual opening position in Tests, achieving solid results. He has played five Tests as an opener, scoring 431 runs in 10 innings at an average of 47.88, including a century and two fifties.

While he has found some success in the middle order, his best performances have come as an opener, with 2,982 runs in 49 Tests and 85 innings at an average of 36.36, including eight centuries and 14 fifties.

KL admitted that he feels 'hurt a lot' when he sees his batting average of 34.70, but he is no longer focused on numbers. In 59 Tests, he has scored 3,436 runs, including nine centuries and 17 fifties, with a highest score of 199. Despite his solid technique and diverse shot selection, he has faced criticism for inconsistency. However, his seven overseas centuries out of nine highlight his capability to perform in various conditions.

'I do not look at numbers, but I want to make an impact whenever and wherever I am given a chance. I want to enjoy my cricket. I enjoy playing Test cricket. That is what I loved growing up, and I have got the opportunity to do so for India,' he remarked.

As the Test match approached its final day with India defending a 371-run target, KL described the situation as 'blockbuster.' He anticipated that cracks would develop on the final day of the pitch.

'I think it is a perfect day-five wicket for us to bowl on. It is a blockbuster for us. When the Test match started, I felt like it was a good batting wicket and it would be a draw, but there has been some good wear and tear, so we are hoping tomorrow the cracks open up and hopefully it will be an interesting match,' he said.

KL also noted that the wicket was not as easy to bat on as in the first innings, providing India with a chance to stay competitive.

'It has been up and down for us, and the wicket has been playing tricks,' he concluded.

In the ongoing Leeds Test, England's Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett ended day four without losing a wicket, setting the stage for an exciting final day against India at Headingley.

England concluded Day 4 at 21/0 in six overs, with Crawley and Duckett remaining unbeaten at 12(25) and 9(11), respectively. They focused on preserving their wickets, avoiding risky shots that could lead to a wicket loss. Crawley struck back-to-back boundaries off Mohammed Siraj, allowing England to finish on a high note as they pursued a remarkable victory.

Before England's innings, India's batting order faced challenges from England's inexperienced pace attack. The tourists collapsed from 349/6 to 364 in just five overs, beginning with Brydon Carse dismissing KL Rahul for 137(247).

The Headingley crowd applauded Rahul's outstanding performance. In the following over, Karun Nair's dismissal marked the start of a batting collapse. Josh Tongue took out Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Siraj on consecutive deliveries. Jasprit Bumrah managed to deny Tongue a hat-trick, but the 27-year-old bowler claimed another wicket shortly after.

Ravindra Jadeja capitalized on an opportunity in the 95th over, hitting a powerful six over the leg-side boundary. He followed up with a four off Tongue, adding crucial runs.

India's last resistance crumbled when Prasidh Krishna, who had been holding one end, succumbed to his attacking instincts against England's sole frontline spinner, Shoaib Bashir. He attempted a big shot but failed to achieve the desired distance, leading to Tongue's catch and concluding India's innings at 364.

The disparity between India's top five batters and the bottom six was evident, with the first half accumulating 721 runs, thanks to five centuries, while the lower order managed only 65 runs, compounding India's struggles.

Before an exciting final session, India was at 298/4 at Tea, with KL Rahul (120*) and Karun Nair (4*) unbeaten. Pant contributed 118 runs in the second innings, marking his second century of the match, and formed a crucial 195-run partnership with KL Rahul.

India began the second session at 153/3, with Pant (31*) and KL (72*) unbeaten. The duo launched a counter-attack against the English bowlers, both reaching their centuries, with Pant dismissed for 118 off 140 balls, including 15 fours and three sixes.

India concluded the first session at 153/3, with vice-captain Rishabh Pant (31*) and KL Rahul (72*) unbeaten.

Despite Carse's early strike, removing Shubman for just eight and leaving India at 92/3, the team managed to establish a solid foundation for an aggressive approach in the remainder of the match, although they provided England with some opportunities. The final session on day three was interrupted by rain. Rahul was joined by skipper Shubman Gill, who was unbeaten on 6*. India ended at 90/2.

Brief Scores: India: 471 and 364 (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118, Brydon Carse 2/62) vs England 21/0 (Zak Crawley 12*, Ben Duckett 9*).