On Day 2 of the first Test match between India and the West Indies in Ahmedabad, KL Rahul achieved a remarkable feat by scoring his second Test century on home soil. This century was particularly special as it marked his first Test century in India since December 2016. After the match, he shared his thoughts during an exclusive interview on JioHotstar’s post-match show, Amul Cricket Live. There, he talked about his journey over the past few months, his changing role as a senior player in the dressing room, and the balance he has found in his game as an opener. He also praised his teammate, Ravindra Jadeja, for his consistency with the bat.

Reflecting on his transformation over the past 8-9 months, KL Rahul expressed his growing confidence. He shared, “I’ve worked really hard, not just technically but also mentally. I began to understand the tempo I need to maintain while batting.” After a not-so-great series against New Zealand earlier, Rahul took some time to reflect. “I sat down and thought about what I was doing right and where I could improve. Once I got a few runs in the England series, my confidence soared, allowing me to simply execute my plans on the field. Keeping my cricket simple—focusing on watching the ball, scoring runs, and enjoying the game—has helped a lot. When you have runs to your name, everything feels easier,” he said.

KL Rahul also touched on his new role as a senior player in the team. He noted that stepping into this role was odd for him initially. “When I walked into the dressing room in England and didn’t see Rohit, Virat, or Ashwin, it felt strange. They had always been there during my Test career,” he mentioned. Recognizing the absence of senior players, he realized it was now his turn to take on more responsibility, allowing younger players to focus on their game without pressure. He added, “The way players like Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill interact with me has shifted as well. It gives you a sense of needing to step up.”

Discussing his strategy as an opener, KL Rahul emphasized the importance of planning. “Each batter has a specific game plan,” he noted. For him as an opener, the goal is to weather the new ball, get through the first 10-15 overs, and provide a solid start for the team. Once the spinners come into play, he looks for opportunities based on the pitch conditions and bowlers. “I’ve played enough Tests to know how to adapt, but entering a match without a clear plan has often led to struggles in scoring.”

Rahul acknowledged the pressure that comes with expectations. “I don’t let numbers worry me, though I do glance at them. Every batter likes to have good stats. My main focus is on sticking to my game plan and enjoying cricket. When I manage that, the runs typically follow.” He believes in taking things step by step and not rushing into things, even in a game where numbers play a significant role.

KL Rahul also praised Ravindra Jadeja’s approach to batting. He noted, “What stands out about Jadeja is his simplicity. He possesses the technique to handle both spin and pace, being solid in Indian conditions.” He highlighted that Jadeja’s approach has evolved, allowing him to adapt to conditions overseas as well. “He knew the field was up, so he attacked the spinners early on, then rotated the strike smartly as the field spread out. He’s incredibly experienced and knows how to construct significant innings.”

He expressed confidence that, even if the top order doesn’t perform, players like Jadeja can step up when needed. “Having someone like him batting at No. 6 is valuable. He gives himself the time to build an innings and has been fulfilling his role superbly.”

Fans can continue to catch the thrilling action of the India vs. West Indies Test series, including Day 3 of the match, on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.

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Original Text – https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/when-i-walked-into-the-dressing-room-i-didnt-saw-rohit-virat-ashwin-says-kl-rahul-1907760