I was scared, kept wondering if my skill would remain when I return: KL Rahul

COVID-19 halt hasn’t been going really well with people around the world and cricketers are no different in this opinion. Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul said it was very different when he stepped on the field after five long months, he couldn’t stop his tears apparently. Though players have been indulging at indoor gym sessions quite a lot these days but setting foot on the field is definitely a different feeling for them.

Rahul who is excited enough to lead the Punjab side for the very first time emphasized the fact that it’s a terrible feeling to not have been able to focus on fitness and one starts getting surrounded with things like anxiety. But, above all this, one learns to be grateful for so many small things in life.

The 28-year-old told TOI, “After running on concrete and treadmill for months when you step onto the ground you feel like you’re walking on a cloud. It’s difficult to explain the feeling. I was half in tears, half smiling. In fact, I just couldn’t stop smiling. Just to be able to get out and run on the ground felt so good.”

Throwing light over anxiety issues along with form and fitness, Rahul told how he got skeptical about his skill and had nightmares.

I forgot how to pick line and length: KL Rahul

“I was scared,” he admitted. “I kept wondering if my skills would remain the same when I returned to the sport. I had nightmares. A couple of times I woke up in the middle of the night because I dreamt I had forgotten how to pick the line and length. It scared the hell out of me. To be honest, when I went back to play the first session, it was horrible because I was rusty.”

Talking about the upcoming mega event, KL is gearing up well to lead the team and spoke how veteran Anil Kumble’s experience will be of great help to the team. He has had a great understanding with former ace spinner and his guidance and experience with the game will help the young man to make the best decisions in the team’s interest.