KL Rahul's Childhood Coach Says He Is 'Completely Different Player...'
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KL Rahul's childhhood coach wasnot atalsurprisedby his hundred in the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions.
KL Rahul made a stunning return to red-ball cricket after almost five months, scoring a magnificent century on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test between India A and England Lions.
With the five-match Test series against England approaching, Rahul's composed 116 at the top of the order could secure his place as India's opener, alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, particularly following Rohit Sharma's retirement last month.
Throughout his Test career, Rahul has been India's reliable batsman in times of crisis, adapting to various batting positions as required. His childhood coach, Samuel Jayraj, shared insights into Rahul's formative years, emphasising his willingness to embrace challenges.
'If you ask me, as a coach, this isn't surprising. He was always ready. He was also a wicketkeeper. He would smartly rotate strike, taking singles on the fourth, fifth, or sixth ball, then face the next over. He follows instructions really well. If you noticed in the Champions Trophy, his role was very specific-and he executed it perfectly," Jayraj was quoted as saying in the Times of India.
'In fact, despite having a very good ODI World Cup, he wasn't picked for the T20 World Cup. He didn't crib or get frustrated. Because he has seen these things as a kid. That's why he's so strong today both mentally and technically. And that's his biggest strength. He's matured a lot. He's been playing cricket at a high level for 10 years now. That experience shows. If you watch him now, he's a completely different player – much calmer, composed, and in control. For me, that calmness is what stands out the most," he added.
Jayraj believes Rahul's mental fortitude and technique will help him excel in red-ball cricket in England. 'I always tell him just one thing – enjoy and become. That's always been my message, my mantra, even my password, you could say. You have to enjoy what you do. You have to be happy. If you're not happy, your body simply won't respond the way you want it to", Jayraj said.
'For me, form is temporary – but the skill and technique you develop stay with you forever. Honestly, when he was playing state and zonal matches in Mangalore and Bangalore, we coaches always had the red ball in mind. We didn't really think much about white-ball cricket back then. So the foundation he built – the technique and skill – was rooted in red-ball cricket", the coach added.
'In England, a more and more matured KL Rahul will be seen," Jayraj confidently remarked.
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