Ahmedabad: India’s senior batter KL Rahul has acknowledged the chatter around his sub-40 Test batting average but insists he is more focused on enjoying his cricket and executing strong game plans. Speaking after scoring a fluent century against the West Indies in the ongoing Ahmedabad Test, Rahul said he is aware that his Test average of 35.41 in 63 matches doesn’t reflect the consistency he aspires to.
“I don’t let it bother me, but it isn’t that I don’t see it. Obviously, I see it and ideally, any batter would want their numbers to be as high as they can be. But right now it is more important for me to make sure my game plans are tight and that I am enjoying my cricket,” Rahul said in a JioHostar interaction.
Rahul has hit a purple patch since returning as opener, taking on the mantle of India’s senior-most batter following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. He enjoyed a stellar England tour earlier this year, scoring 532 runs in 10 innings at an average of 53.2, the best series of his Test career.
His latest knock an 11th Test hundred and his first at home since Chennai 2016, also against the West Indies has further underlined his resurgence. Rahul added that focusing on the right processes rather than statistics is helping him stay consistent.
“There is enough sample size for me to know that when I do these things well, I start getting more runs and the numbers will go higher automatically,” he said.
With his form peaking, Rahul now looks set to anchor India’s Test batting in a new era.
