XtraTime Web Desk: Indian opener KL Rahul on Thursday admitted that it was difficult for him to be at peace as his place in the T20 side was uncertain. Rahul, who was asked to open the innings with Rohit Sharma in the just concluded T20I series against West Indies blasted his second half-century of the series, hitting a blazing 91 in the third T20 International, to help India beat West Indies by 67 runs and seal the series 2-1 on Wednesday.
The 27-year-old Karnataka batsman grabbed the opportunity with both hands after regular opener Shikhar Dhawan sustained an injury and was ruled out of the entire series.
“I won’t say I don’t feel it (pressure) at all. Obviously, going in and out of the team is never easy on any player, you take a little bit of time to get used to the international pressure and oppositions and there are no opposition where you can just walk in and score runs, so it’s always difficult,” Rahul told reporters after the match in Mumbai.
The stylish right-handed batsman said he tries to be in the rhythm even when he is not in the team.
“This game is all about confidence and being in good rhythm and good touch. I can’t really sit outside and not prepare, all I can do is sit outside and prepare and try to create match feel for myself and I did play a lot of first class cricket, so not a lot changes, it is still T20 cricket,” he said.
Asked how he dealt with the disappointment when he was dropped from the team, Rahul said he didn’t complicate his thoughts and just kept working on his game.
“I mean you can only complicate it (if) your thoughts are wrong, my thoughts are very simple. I prepare as hard as I can, put in the hours in the nets. When I get first class cricket, I go back and play and try to improve my skill, batting and get some time in the middle,” he said.
“I know people feel it is easier said than done, it is as easy you make it. Life is (all about) what you put in your head,” he said. Rahul stressed on the need to keep playing and be ready so that one can use the opportunities.