The only way KL Rahul could return to the Test setup to keep wickets. And he gladly accepted that role despite the long history of injuries. And no spin dominance, KL Rahul did well with the big gloves in the IND vs SA 1st Test in Centurion and eased into the role with seamers bowling mostly. However, ahead of the IND vs ENG Test series where he will have to keep on potential turning pitches against Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin, he needs to manage his body.
“I mean it’s still my first game as a Test keeper. It’s hard on the body. I’ve kept in a few first-class games and few tour games abroad. But the biggest challenge for me is to manage my energy and handle my body,” KL Rahul said ahead of Day of IND vs SA 1st Test.
KL Rahul was the difference for India as he was super hit on return from Test after being dropped from the team midway through Border Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.
But he has come back with a bang, hitting a century to not only seal his spot but also rescue India from a tough spot to help the team post 245.
“It was a challenging wicket and I think it was under cover for a couple of days and the pitch was a bit damp and the SA bowlers took advantage of it and created pressure. When I walked in, it was important for me to build a partnership with Virat and it was clear for me that I needed to take chances and the conversation with the bowlers was quite simple. Shardul played well and Ash got a few runs as well, and gave me an opportunity to score runs,” KL Rahul said.
What to look forward to to on Day 3 then? KL Rahul explained:
“I think it’s quite balanced and we just need to come out and put the ball in the right areas. There’s still some assistance and if we can get Dean out..and get them out quickly – that’s how we see the game. It’s the moving day of the Test match – like every other Test.“
