'Have surprised myself with how calm I have been' - KL Rahul opens up after Boxing Day century against South Africa

India’s swashbuckling batter KL Rahul displayed his sheer flair on day 1 of the first Test against South Africa. The batter stayed firm on the pitch to register his seventh Test century in Centurion. At stumps, he remained unbeaten on 122 as India finished the day with 272-3 on the scoreboard.

Rahul built on his innings in his own distinct way. He opened his account on the 21st ball of his innings after he had played three maiden overs of Rabada. Opening up on his performance he stated that these performances are expected out of him. He further added that once he got to a good start he started enjoying his innings without thinking ahead of time.

“It is truly special, every hundred really takes something out of you and gives you joy. There are so many emotions you go through when you score a hundred. You bat for 6-7 hours, those are the kind of innings that stand out and as players, we really cherish these. This is what is expected out of me. Once I got off to a good start, I started enjoying my batting and I did not think too far ahead,” Rahul told BCCI.TV.

My focus has always been to stay in the moment: KL Rahul

The batter looked in fine form in the Test series against England earlier this year. He continued his good form against the Proteas as well. He became only the second Indian opener to score a century in South Africa. He thus asserted that he was himself surprised with the calmness he displayed on the field.

“Preparation has been really good, all the batters that batted on Day 1 were really focused. I just try to stay in the moment when I am out there in the middle. I was on 99 and with a spinner bowling, I thought it was a good opportunity to take a single or just go over the top because everybody was inside.

I did have that temptation to do that but surprisingly, even in England when I got that hundred at Lord’s. I have surprised myself with how calm I have been, my focus has always been to stay in the moment and react to the ball that is bowled. Really happy that I could finish the day on a good note,” Rahul added.