KL Rahul, who scored a brilliant 101 on the first day of the Centurion Test against South Africa, has taken a sharp aim at his critics who had questioned his place in the Indian team. Rahul said that he does not care about the opinions of those who praised him today but abused him a few months ago.
Rahul, who had a lean patch in the England tour, bounced back with a superb knock in the first innings of the opening Test of the three-match series. He faced 137 balls and hit 14 fours and a six, as he anchored the Indian innings after they were put in to bat by the hosts.
Rahul said that he was not bothered by the criticism and was focused on his game. He said that he had worked hard on his technique and temperament, and was confident of his abilities.
“I don’t care about what people say. The same people who are hailing me today were abusing me a few months ago. I don’t listen to them. I know what I am capable of and I trust my game. I have been playing cricket for a long time and I know how to handle pressure and expectations,” Rahul said at the post-match press conference.
It was only this year that Rahul was the subject of criticism from across the Indian cricket fraternity, with former cricketers most notably Venkatesh Prasad calling for him to be axed from the team and questioning his selection. Rahul lost his place in the playing XI and was removed from the vice-captaincy of the team in the red-ball format midway through the series against Australia in March.
Rahul also praised his opening partner Mayank Agarwal, who scored 60, and said that they had a good understanding and communication. He said that they complemented each other well and played according to the situation.
“Mayank and I have a good rapport. We have played a lot of cricket together and we know each other’s game. We talk a lot in the middle and help each other out. We played according to the conditions and the bowlers. We were patient when they bowled well and attacked when they erred. It was a good partnership and I hope we can continue like this,” Rahul said.
Rahul also credited the Indian bowling attack, which reduced South Africa to 17 for 3 at stumps. He said that the bowlers were relentless and aggressive, and gave India a huge advantage.
“Our bowlers were outstanding. They bowled with a lot of discipline and intensity. They did not give any easy runs and kept taking wickets. They have given us a great chance to win this match and we are very happy with their performance,” Rahul said.
Rahul, who scored his sixth Test century and his first in South Africa, said that he was happy to contribute to the team’s cause and hoped to carry on his form.
“It feels good to score a hundred in tough conditions. It was not easy to bat on this pitch. There was a lot of bounce and seam movement. I had to be very careful and play with a lot of discipline. I am glad that I could score some runs and help the team. I hope to continue this form and score more runs in the series,” Rahul said.
