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Lokesh Rahul, a right- hand batsman, is currently representing Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy. He is considered as the most reliable opening batsman in India’s next generation. Due to his remarkable performances in the domestic matches, he has been considered as a first-choice option for the two-day tour warm-up game against Board President's XI which will begin this Friday, reports Times of India.
“It will be a wonderful experience because these are familiar conditions. But then, it is just .1% different from playing away because it still does not change the fact that you are playing international cricket. I don't think there will be pressure, because I believe if you have to climb the ladder in international cricket you have to learn to soak in the pressure,” said Rahul.
For Rahul, it is fun to bat with the Test Captain Virat Kohli, who likes to take charge of every situation. Rahul said, “When you are at the non-striker's end, you have the best seat in the house. He makes batting look so easy. In fact, both my centuries have come when I played with him. We are quick runners, good athletes we love playing our shots, so we enjoy batting with each other and have constant chats in the middle.”
There is a cutthroat competition for the opening slot and Rahul has the potential to open the batting for the team. On this, he says, “It will make us individually stronger, push us to work harder and perform at every opportunity given. I'm excited as I'm young and learning from the guys I'm sharing the dressing room with. So whatever opportunity is given to me, I'll do my best.”
People look at me differently after two centuries: Rahul
International cricket has been a roller-coaster ride for Rahul, and as result, he has become more focused on his performance. “In the past 10 months I've seen a lot of highs and lows. At this age I'm taking whatever comes my way. Each day is a learning experience. I'm trying to learn from mistakes and success and see what I can take out of each day to improve myself. I'm now focused on consistency.”
Rahul scored a scintillating 96 against Australia A in a four- day cricket match. “After two international centuries people look at me in a different way. I have become more disciplined and focused. I'm just excited to see how I will end up in my international career which has just started,” he added.
Rahul has got limited experience of International cricket. He was a part of the squad for the Australia and Sri Lanka tours however. On this Rahul said, “Both were different experiences as we played in different conditions in which I hadn't played before.”
“In Sri Lanka, if you put your head down and perform you could get runs. I would have wanted to be more consistent. Nevertheless, I learnt from my mistakes and in the end it was a great feeling for us to have won the series. In Australia, we showed a lot of heart and character. Unfortunate the results did not go our way although the intent was good. I also got to play bowlers who I watched and admired on television,” he stated.
