'It hurts when I look at my average, but I'm not chasing numbers anymore' - KL Rahul after sublime Headingley ton

KL Rahul played some gritty knocks during the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he could not get a three-figure score. He got himself off to some solid starts but threw his wicket away just when he was looking set to get a big score. In the first innings of the ongoing Headingley Test between India and England, Rahul looked at ease during his 42-run knock. However, a lapse in concentration and an expansive drive brought about his downfall.

At the end of Day 3, in India's second innings, Rahul finished unbeaten on 47. Former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara urged the Karnataka batter to convert his start into a significant score on Day 4, and he obliged, as he scored a majestic 137 off 247, forging a 195-run stand with Rishabh Pant, which helped the tourists set England a stiff target of 371 in the fourth innings.

At the end of play on Day 4, Rahul admitted that his Test average, which is below 35, hurts him. However, the 33-year-old said that he has stopped chasing numbers and is more focused on doing well for his country.

"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. It's what I grew up loving," Rahul said while speaking to Sky Sports.

"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 added.

I have gone back to basics: KL Rahul

Rahul expressed his gratitude to former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, whose influence over the past year and a half has helped him return to the basics and work harder during practice sessions.

"I have worked a lot with him, spent a lot of time with him in 15-18 months. I have gone back to basics, doing time. There was a time when I was in a quality over quantity mindset in international cricket and did not hit enough balls. Now I am back to enjoying hitting a lot of balls in the nets," said Rahul.