Despite playing a crucial knock in his team chasing a massive target, opening batsman KL Rahul seems unhappy with him missing a double century by just one run. The 24-year old has also been at the receiving end of frequent injuries, making his position in the team a game of musical chair.
KL Rahul played a flawless innings until he reached 199 and played a wide ball from Rashid, only to give an easy catch to Buttler. It took Rahul a great time to come out of what he has done. “It will be an unforgettable day for me. Every cricketer will like to play for the country but personal records are what makes him proud and confident. Getting a double century in not an easy task and missing it by a single run is what haunts you. Perhaps this is the reason why the coaches tell you that every run is important”, KL Rahul said.
Explaining the situation in which he played the important delivery which decided his fate, Rahul said, “It was the pressure of getting a double century to which I have succumbed to. I soon as I reached 199, my mind started to think of the double century and you know every batsman will be proud of that moment. I think that these thoughts have dominated my mind at that moment and eventually resulted in me playing a wide ball. The idea was to get an easy single to complete my 200, but I probably played the shot too early. I am yet to review the videos of how I got out”.
When asked whether he felt depressed for not getting a double hundred, the Karnataka player said, “Yes to be honest. It took me time to realize that I was out. It was absolutely a blunder. When I walked back to the pavilion, players tried to motivate me but I could not hear anything. I just stood under the shower and then realized that it is okay to have disappointments in a game. I began feeling good after looking at my team’s scoreboard. We are in a strong position now and that will cheer me for the rest of the game. I will be positive and hope to get a double hundred in the nearest future”, he concluded.
India are 391/4 at the end of Day 3 with Murali Vijay (17) and Karun Nair (71) at the crease.
