Dubai: Lokesh Rahul made full use of his first opportunity in the Asia Cup to topscore for India against Afghanistan with 60 off 66 balls, though India’s chase eventually ended in a ‘tie.’
In a recent interview with Gulf News, Pakistan pace great Waqar Younis had hailed Rahul as one of the finest technically sound batsman around. Despite a knock of 149 against England in the last and final Test of the series at Oval, Rahul could not find a place in the playing XI of the Indian team in this Asia Cup until Tuesday.
Speaking after the Afghanistan match, Rahul candidly said: “Whenever I don’t get a chance, I use my time to work on my skill and improve my fitness. The amount of cricket we play, the number of days we’re on the road, it’s hard to keep fit. When I don’t play, it’s easy to sulk and ask the same question: ‘Why am I not playing?’ But I try to use the time to improve my skill, get better with my fitness and make the most of it when I get a chance.”
Twenty-six-year-old Rahul, who is a highly rated opening batsman, had to wait in the shadows of India’s prolific opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. “The team management has sat me down and explained exactly what they expect out of me. I needed to know personally also, to kind of prepare and know in which direction I’m heading,” added Rahul, who is ready to bat at any position though would be comfortable opening the innings.
“It’s been challenging, of course, to bat in different positions, and some positions which I haven’t been comfortable with. I’ve always batted at the top of the order from junior cricket, that’s the most comfortable position for me. But in a team sport, you need to be flexible and whatever responsibility the team gives you. You need to put your hand up and try to do the best you can. Unfortunately, for me, the chances I’ve got in the middle order haven’t really gone my way. Again, I just look to keep working hard, keep improving my game and whatever opportunities I get, I try to give it my best shot.”
Whichever position he is asked to bat, Rahul explained that he has a simple method. “Honestly, I try to keep my batting simple: see the ball and hit the ball. I can’t worry about how many opportunities I get. Whatever chance I get, I have to back my natural game, which is to take on the bowling and play my shots.”
Rahul enjoyed his first outing in the Asia Cup thoroughly. “You want to be part of games where both teams compete till the end. It was exciting. If the result had gone in our favour, we would’ve been more happy but nonetheless, am still happy to have played a game like this. It will stay in our memory for a long time.”
