Rahul: I’ve returned from injury stronger every time

Ever since K.L. Rahul’s debut at Melbourne in 2014, India played 27 Tests, including the one at Galle, but the opener has only played 17 in a nascent career glittering with runs but marred by injuries. Having made another solid comeback, Rahul looked set for a bigger score till a run-out stopped him at 57 here in the second Test at the SSC Ground.

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Cheerily saying a ‘long-time no-see’ to some cricket writers, Rahul sat down and addressed the media on Thursday. He spoke frankly about the dreary days of recovery and the sheer joy of playing a Test.

Excerpts

A 57 and its import

It’s been a long time I have been away from the game at such a young age. How do you keep yourself positive and motivated to come back as soon as you can? That was the biggest challenge but the minute I walked out into the middle, I was very happy. I am even more happy that I could start with a fifty and make some contribution to the team.

Recovery and return

More than playing for a long time, I have been in and out of the team because of injuries. It’s never easy and it takes you a couple of games to get back into your groove as an opening batsman, understand where your off-stump is, to understand what pace you have to play at. There are doubts. But yeah, I have enjoyed the challenge. Each time I have come back, I have come back stronger.

Six fifties in a row

I have never chased numbers. My job as an opening batsman is to give the team a good start and I have done that. Disappointing that I have not been able to convert the starts but that will keep me more hungry. Each time I bat, I will want to get more and more runs.

The angst over his run-out

I wasn’t upset with him (Cheteshwar Pujara). Run-outs happen. It could have been him who got run out and it could have been my mistake. I wasn’t disappointed about that. I was disappointed because I have been away from the game so long and I didn’t want to get out at all.

The pitch

The pitch was on the slower side and I think it will take turn as the days go. The more the footmarks, the more turn and purchase R. Ashwin and (Ravindra) Jadeja can get.