New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Senior India batter KL Rahul revealed on Wednesday that he has conquered the "mental challenge" of being a batting floater and is now ready to step into any position, as long as it means playing for the team. Rahul impressed in the first Test against Australia in Perth, scoring 26 and 77 while opening the innings in the absence of regular captain Rohit Sharma, who was on paternity leave. With Rohit returning for the day-night Test starting Friday, Rahul was asked about his batting position. "Anywhere — opening or middle order," said the 32-year-old, speaking to reporters ahead of India's training session. "I just want to be in the playing XI, and wherever that is, I’ll bat for the team," said the man with over 3000 runs in 54 Tests. Rahul began his Test career in Australia a decade ago as a middle-order batter before transitioning to opening. His batting position has been inconsistent in both formats over the years, which, he admits, affected him mentally.


"I’ve batted in so many positions. It wasn’t a technical challenge, but a mental one — figuring out how to approach those first 20-25 balls," Rahul confessed. "How early can I attack? How cautious do I need to be? It was tricky in the beginning." "But now, after playing all over the order in both Tests and ODIs, I have a clear idea of how to manage my innings," explained the elegant stroke-maker, who has tons in South Africa, Australia, and England among his eight Test centuries. For Rahul, Test batting has now been simplified: "Whether I’m at the top or middle order, if I can get through the first 30-40 balls, everything else feels like regular batting," he added.This rephrase adds a bit more flair to Rahul's determination and mental clarity, highlighting his readiness and adaptability.

The Uttam Hindu

The Uttam Hindu

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