Team India opener KL Rahul attributed his recent Overseas Test success to the discipline he has shown in extreme conditions. Rahul admits he worked a bit on his technique, but says the mental aspect made a bigger difference.
Rahul was named man of the match with a 123-time knockdown in the first inning, setting the tone for India’s historic victory over South Africa inside Centurion test. Placing 305 on the win, Proteas was beaten to 191 for a while during a session on Day 5 as India registered a 113 run win.
In his post-match presentation, Rahul spoke of the change in his Test fortunes:
“Don’t think I’ve made too many technical changes. It is about my mindset, my level of calm and patience and the level of discipline that I have achieved in Test cricket. I’ve been working on my technique a bit. I worked really hard on my game when I left the team for a couple of years. Now all is coming pretty well. The discipline that I have shown has been the biggest contributor to me in performing far from India and consistently. ”
✅ Brisbane ✅ The Oval (after 1971) ✅ Centurion Three broken fortresses! 💪 What a memorable year for Team India 😍🇮🇳 https://t.co/HyEsi3P2Vi
Rahul is one of the few hitters from both sides who seem in control on a tough Centurion surface that has some annoying bounces. When asked about his secret to success, the 29-year-old explained:
“It’s just grit and determination, I really want my team to get off to a good start. On a challenging field, the opening partnership is crucial to setting the tone for the team. I went out there, tried to do my best and was really pleased with the performance.”
Rahul’s hundred at Centurion was his seventh in the Tests and sixth away. Sharing his thoughts on the incredible record, the opener admitted:
“Yes, it is very sweet and something I am proud of. I want to build on it, keep getting better and keep doing the work for the team. ”
WHAT. A. WIN! 🤩🇮🇳A historic win for India by becoming the first Asian team and third overseas team to win at SuperSport Park in Centurion#SAvIND #CricketTwitter https://t.co/w5NKyrT3hB
Rahul returns to Test XI after Shubman Gill and Mayank Agarwal was excluded from the UK Tests due to injury. He has resurrected his red-ball career, scoring 315 runs in four games for an average of 39.38.
They have shown a lot of hearts in 2-3 years: KL Rahul on the Indian fast bowler
INDIA WIN! 🇮🇳 It’s all over! Ravichandran Ashwin picked up two balls in two as South Africa was bowled in 191. India won the First Test at Centurion with 113 runs and led 1-0 in the series. #SAvIND https://t.co/Y0R7wEDz53
Apart from Rahul, India’s fast pitchers also played a big role in India’s historic Centurion victory. While Mohammed Shami took the lead with 8 broomsticks, Bumrah received 5 burns. Praising Shami and co, Rahul said:
“He (Shami) kept us in the park a little less. We have a great quick bowling unit. They showed a lot of fairness, not only today but also in the 2-3 years we played. Our consistent performance is thanks to what our fast pitchers can do in a variety of conditions. “
Speaking specifically about Shami, Rahul added:
“Really happy with the way Shami threw the ball and the way the others came in too. He (Shami) won the ball to do a little extra work and got results in this game. ”
The 29-year-old insists that while India are excited by their first Test win in Centurion, the team still wants to get better and better. Rahul concludes:
“Very special. We have just heard that this is the first time a (India) team has gone to Centurion to beat South Africa. This win gives us a lot of confidence. We just want to keep getting better and go out there and win another Test match over the next few days. “
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The second test of a three-match series will begin at The Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on January 3.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/cricket/ind-vs-sa-2021-biggest-contribution-kl-rahul-overseas-test-success-centurion-shami?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sportskeeda IND vs SA 2021: “The discipline that I show is the biggest contribution”
