KL Rahul admits a 'huge part' of him wanted to be a part of the Indian team for the Kolkata and Indore Tests against New Zealand

Ever since the tour to the West Indies in 2016, India have found it tough to get a settled batting combination going at the op of the order. One of the key reasons for that have been injuries and among those is KL Rahul.

The 24-year-old was going through a stellar run in international cricket, having made centuries in the Tests and then a made a ton in the T20I in Florida, but unfortunately got injured during the opening Test in Kanpur, where he pulled up a hamstring injury which forced him to sit out of the remainder of the series.

Shikhar Dhawan was picked for the second Test at Kolkata, but he to sustained a thumb injury while batting in the second innings and as a result, Gautam Gambhir was drafted into the playing XI to open with Murali Vijay in the third Test at Indore.

“India played incredible cricket, both in Kolkata and Indore.A huge part of me wanted to be part of that team. When you're in good touch, you want to carry on playing after having represented your country. I really don't want to be sitting at home and watching cricket matches. But injuries are part of the game, so I had to sit at home,” Rahul said in an interview to the mid-day.

Rahul has not picked for the ODI leg of new Zealand’s tour to India and admitted that when he does return back to the national setup, it would be difficult for him to get back to the groove as soon as he recovered and made a return to the side.

"You really can't stay away from injury and coming back after injury is never easy. Injuries, small or big, they tend to keep happening to you," he said.

He further revealed that he was working hard at the National Cricket Academy and hoped to regain his lost touch once he returns back to the national fold again.

“The injury was persisting for a few days (in Kanpur). Right now I am working with Andrew Leipus (Chief Physiotherapist at National Cricket Academy in Bangalore) and Rajinikanth (NCA trainer). I have been doing strength training and am working thoroughly on my fitness to ensure I get back into shape. When I come back, I will get time to adjust and then I wish to take off from where I left — scoring runs," he concluded.