Indian Star Batter and Vice Captain KL Rahul suffered from so many injuries in last few months. He making his comeback into the Team after six months and shows his gratitude to Teams Management for remembering his contributions he did in last two years.
“You might be out for two months but they haven’t forgotten what you have done for the team and the country in the last two-three years. Players actually thrive in such an environment,” the Indian captain said before first ODI against Zimbabwe.
“It is this kind of environment that can help a player transform from being a good player to a great player, playing a lot more match-winning innings for his team,” said Rahul, who has a fantastic average of 46 plus and five hundreds, after 42 games.
“It is very important for a player to get the backing of selectors, coach and captain. And it gives you so much confidence that your mindset is clear and you can focus on the things that are necessary. Also it becomes easy for player that your support group is backing you,” the stylish right-hander added.
“Injuries are part of sport and that part hasn’t been too kind to me. But it’s part of the journey, and you got to take the good and the bad,” Rahul added.
“I have been out for two months, and just to get back to the dressing room and have that chat and laughter around the group, is great.”
‘Never tried to be someone I am not’.
“I can’t go out there and be someone else. Then I won’t be fair to myself, to the team, or to the game. I try and be myself and let the other players be themselves as they want,” Rahul said when asked if he had tried to follow the footsteps of the great MS Dhoni.
“I can’t even compare myself with these guys (MSD), their numbers. And achievement are far greater in terms of what they have done for the country. Also I don’t think any name could be taken in the same breath,” he reminded everyone.
“… Also this is my second series as captain. And obviously, I have played under him and learnt a lot from him as a player. As you have been playing for so many years, you will pick some good qualities from these guys.”
Managing a good bowling attack after regulas are rested and players are making their comeback from injuries.
“Myself, Kuldeep and Deepak (Chahar), we were all at NCA (for rehab) and were all preparing for this series.
“So I know they have prepared well and they know what they need to do. For me, it’s about managing them and giving them that confidence, allow them to express themselves. And have that freedom to do what they want to do,” the skipper said.
“It will be (challenging) for any leader as to how good you are in managing your players and bringing the best out of them.
“Everybody is in a different place in their careers, and few of us have come back from injuries. Few have played a lot of cricket and how do you manage their bodies. And how do you manage mindset and nervousness of guys who are coming after a long break. And those are challenges as a leader,” he accepted the issues that could be tricky.
