KL Rahul emphasizes the importance of psychological preparation.

Six months ago, KL Rahul faced an injury that required surgery, forcing him to miss a substantial amount of international cricket. Now, back in the Indian team as a regular, he could afford to make a wry joke about it.

When asked about the incident during a pre-match press conference on the eve of India’s clash against England, Rahul jokingly remarked, “I am trying to forget; you are reminding me again and again.” He went on to express that he couldn’t deny that it still lingered in his mind, especially when he arrived at the ground, as his last memory of the place was the injury. However, he hoped to create new, happier memories to replace the old ones.

Dealing with such negative thoughts has been a crucial part of Rahul’s journey over the past year. He admitted that mental conditioning played a significant role in his preparations. Rahul acknowledged the impact of external pressures on his mindset and explained that he had worked on strengthening his mental resilience during his time away from the game.

Rahul also shared the strategy of staying away from social media, a technique similar to that of skipper Rohit Sharma. He mentioned the availability of specialists, such as batting and bowling coaches, as well as mental coaches, to assist in honing various aspects of his game.

Rahul praised the positive environment within the team, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and maintaining a calm state of mind despite the pressure of international cricket.

Regarding India’s performance in the ongoing World Cup, Rahul attributed their success to the team’s aggression, meticulous preparations, and the players’ familiarity with their roles. He highlighted the confidence derived from thorough preparation.

While Rahul’s contributions with the bat may not have been required as often since his standout performance against Australia, he emphasized his dedication to wicket-keeping, which was a significant aspect of his comeback following his injury.

Rahul expressed the need for India to excel when batting first in addition to their successful chasing record. He looked forward to the challenge of setting a target and pacing the innings effectively in upcoming matches.