Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India batsman KL Rahul made full use of the opportunity in the first test match against England at Trent Bridge. Rahul, who was asked to open in the absence of injured Mayank Agarwal scored a brilliant 84 runs in the first innings. It was almost after two years he was part of the playing XI in the longer format and he was right in sharing his frustration.
“From the last 2-3 series (away vs Australia and vs England in India), I have been sitting outside. The team was doing really well and I was very happy to be part of the team and seeing how we were beating teams in India and then Australia.
“So it was great to be part of it, but also very frustrating that opportunities weren’t coming. It was only practise, practise and practise and as a player you want to be in the middle and want to challenge yourself, so I kept waiting for my opportunity, so I am very happy that it came in England,” said Rahul during the virtual post match conference.
The stylish batsman was surprised to hear a person labeling Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling performance as a ‘comeback’. On being asked how he felt about Bumrah coming back to form, Rahul expressed his surprised at the question.
“I don’t know why you are saying that (Jasprit) Bumrah has made a comeback. Every time, in every game, in every condition he has proved himself and he is our number one bowler. We are happy that he is doing what he is (has) been doing since he started playing Test cricket.Wherever he has played, he has been a match-winner for us. We are happy that he has done once again, what he does best,” Rahul said.
Rahul lauded the pace unit’s 20-wicket effort which was the major takeaway according to him from the first test.
“The way we bowled in the first innings and the discipline that we showed after losing the toss and bowling first (was a takeaway). It felt like team which won the toss had an advantage and we bowled with a lot of discipline.
“Our pace bowling attack is the main reasons why we qualified for the WTC finals. Great to see that each time we go out there, we stick to what we have discussed and more often than not we have got results for being patient and disciplined,” signed off Rahul.