KL Rahul opens up on mental challenges faced on playing at different positions over the years (Reuters)
KL Rahul on Wednesday opened up about the ‘mental challenge’ of playing in different batting positions over the years but said he is now comfortable in any role.
Speaking to reporters in Adelaide, where the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia begins on Friday, Rahul said he found it hard to negotiate the ‘first 20-25 balls’ whenever he was slotted in a new position.
“I have batted in many positions. Earlier it was a bit of a challenge, not technically but mentally about how to play those first 20-25 balls,” he said. “How early can I attack? How much do I need to be cautious? Those were things that were tricky early on. But now that I have played in Tests and ODIs all over the place, it has given me an idea of how I want to manage my innings.”
Rahul, who made his Test debut in Australia a decade ago as a middle-order batsman, came on as an opener in the first Test and scored 26 and 77. He partnered Yashasvi Jaiswal at the top as Rohit Sharma was not available for selection. But with the captain set to return for the second Test, Rahul’s batting position is once again set to change.
When asked about his preferred position, the 32-year-old said: “Anything (opening or middle order)… I just want to be in the playing XI, which means wherever. You go there and bat and play for the team.”
Rahul said he has simplified his approach and now looks to play out 30-40 balls at the start of his innings to feel comfortable in the middle. “Whether I am batting top of the order or in the middle order. If I can manage the first 30-40 balls at start, everything then seems like regular batting, that’s what I try to focus on,” he explained.
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