IND vs ENG: ‘Yes, my Test average hurts, but I don’t chase numbers now’- KL Rahul | Cricket News – Times of India

India’s KL Rahul (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Continuing his outstanding report in difficult SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) circumstances, Rahul crafted his third Test hundred on English soil — and sixth total in SENA — to place India firmly in management of the opening Test. His 195-run partnership with Rishabh Pant pushed India’s second innings result in 370, setting England a frightening 371-run goal. Reflecting on his kind after the day’s play, Rahul informed Sky Sports that he now not obsesses over numbers or milestones. “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 mentioned. He additionally credited former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar for taking part in a key position in reviving his method. “I have spent a lot of time with him in the last 15-18 months. I went back to basics. Earlier, I focused too much on quality over quantity and did not spend enough time hitting balls. Now, I enjoy spending long hours in the nets,” Rahul added.

Rahul’s purple patch extends throughout codecs. He starred as India’s reliable No.5 through the 2023 ODI World Cup, amassing 452 runs, together with India’s quickest World Cup ton — a 62-ball century towards the Netherlands. Post-World Cup, he embraced the finisher’s position, delivering essential runs throughout India’s ICC Champions Trophy triumph, the place he averaged a staggering 140 in 4 innings. In the IPL too, Rahul rediscovered his aggressive finest, scoring 539 runs at a strike charge of almost 150, his finest since 2018 whereas opening and batting within the prime order for Delhi Capitals. After a stint as a center-order bat, Rahul has returned to his most popular Test opening slot with renewed consistency. Since the Australia tour, he has scored 431 runs in 5 Tests at an average nearing 48, together with this newest Leeds masterclass.Quiz: Who’s that IPL participant? Despite a profession Test average of 34.70, Rahul says he now not lets statistics cloud his focus. “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 and it’s what I grew up loving,” he mentioned. Looking forward to the ultimate day, Rahul expects a gripping contest as India defends a stiff goal. “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 wicket and it’s going to be a blockbuster,” he mentioned. At stumps on day 4, England have been 21 for no loss, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett navigating six tough overs with no hiccup. The pair added fast runs to maintain the chase alive, leaving the hosts needing 350 extra for what could be a report chase at Headingley. Earlier, India’s decrease order as soon as once more faltered, collapsing from 349/6 to 364 all out in underneath 5 overs, with solely Ravindra Jadeja and the tail including fast runs on the finish. The prime 5, nonetheless, have been excellent — racking up 5 centuries between them and scoring 721 of India’s complete runs within the Test. With Pant’s twin centuries and Rahul’s managed ton, India maintain the benefit heading into what guarantees to be a riveting last day at Leeds.