KL Rahul aims big knock in 2nd innings after failing to convert his start yet again

Team India opener KL Rahul who has been in great run-scoring form in the ongoing India-Australia series was disappointed that he yet again failed to convert his start into a really big one in India’s 1st  innings of the 4th and the final Test in Dharamsala. Rahul was dismissed by a bouncer from Pat Cummins moments after the Karnataka lad completed his 5th half-century of the series.

Rahul who converted all his first three half-centuries into a century looked in ominous touch at Dharamsala but yet again succumbed to the pressure at a crucial juncture of the game. He has played some gorgeous shots during all of these innings but failed to seize the opportunity when it mattered the most. Even today the shot he played to get out was not something to expect from a batsman of KL Rahul’s stature.

“As an opening batsman, it’s my responsibility to spend as much time in the middle as I can and try and get big scores in the first innings so that we don’t have to bat in the second innings,” Rahul was quoted as saying by Indian Express. He is the 2nd leading run scorer for India in the series behind Cheteshwar Pujara and the youngster feels his 5th Test century is just around the corner.

“I thoroughly enjoyed batting (in this series). Hopefully, one more good knock and the second innings might be the time,” Rahul added. He was troubled by fast bowler Pat Cummins during a hostile spell which eventually got rid of him. Rahul lauded Cummins for his exceptional spell and said it was the toughest session he had endured in his brief Test career.

“Horrible execution for sure,” Rahul said of his dismissal. “I had batted in the middle for a long time and I thought I could take him on. The intent was right… (It) Did not go my way but maybe in the second innings, I can get him away. I will go out with positive intent in the second innings.”

Rahul urged the other Indian players to step up to the occasion in the absence of regular skipper Virat Kohli who was ruled out of the final Test after failing to recover from the shoulder injury which he sustained during the opening day of the 3rd Test in Ranchi.

“He always sets great examples for us and he leads from the front. We need to learn to put our hands up and take the pressure and the responsibility. This game is a good opportunity for the rest of the guys to stand up and be counted,” Rahul concluded.