My Test average hurts but not chasing numbers now, admits KL Rahul after Leeds 137

India Today

5 hours ago

India opener KL Rahul has admitted that his modest Test average still "hurts", but insisted he is no longer focused on statistics and is instead enjoying his cricket more than ever. Rahul, who has often been under the scanner for inconsistency in the longest format, produced a sublime 137 in the second innings of the Headingley Test against England.Rahul's ninth Test hundred - and eighth overseas - helped India stretch their second innings lead to 370, setting a daunting 371-run target for the hosts. Speaking to Sky Sports at the close of play on Day 4, the 32-year-old reflected on his mental transformation and a shift in perspective that has helped him rediscover rhythm in the game.advertisement"Of course, it hurts when I look at my average. But at this stage, I don't want to think about numbers. I want to make an impact whenever I get a chance and enjoy playing Test cricket for India. It's what I grew up loving," Rahul said.
Rahul, who for years has been known as a player capable of stylish starts without converting them into big scores, said he has become mentally calmer and more accepting of the game's uncertainties."I am just getting runs now. There was a time when I would get starts but not convert them into big scores, especially in Tests. I am much calmer in my head and not chasing numbers anymore. I just want to enjoy my cricket as much as I can," he added.advertisementWhile Rahul may have distanced himself from statistical obsession, the numbers still present a compelling story. His 137 was his third century in England - the most by any Indian opener in the country - taking him past the likes of Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar and Ravi Shastri. He also extended his tally of hundreds in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries to six, underlining his overseas pedigree.ENG vs IND 1st Test Day 4 HighlightsThe stylish right-hander also stitched together a crucial 195-run stand with Rishabh Pant, which gave India a firm grip on the contest. In many ways, this innings marked a moment of personal redemption for Rahul, whose place in the side has often been questioned due to a fluctuating average and repeated opportunities.Rahul acknowledged that part of his growth has come from working closely with former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, whose influence over the past year and a half has helped him return to the basics and embrace a more grounded approach."I have worked a lot with him, spent a lot of time with him in 15-18 months. I have gone back to basics, doing time. There was a time when I was in a quality over quantity mindset in international cricket and did not hit enough balls. Now I am back to enjoying hitting a lot of balls in the nets," said Rahul.Rahul has predicted a dramatic Day 5 battle as India need 10 wickets to win while England must chase down the 371-run target in Leeds. "When the match started, it looked like a batting paradise and I thought it would be a draw. But now, there's enough wear and tear and the cracks are opening up. It's a perfect day—five wickets, and it's going to be a blockbuster," he said.- EndsYou May Also Like