Rahul Dravid helped a lot in the five games I played for India A: KL Rahul

Things have finally started falling back into place for KL Rahul. Just a few days ago, the highly-rated batsman was in the news for all the wrong reasons. He was enduring a terrible time in Australia during the Test series, scoring 2, 44, 2, 0 and 9 in three Tests. His form on the tour of England as well as during the home series against Windies was not good either. Unsurprisingly, every failure of his in Australia was met with stern reactions.

It turned worse for Rahul when he and Hardik Pandya were sent home from Australia for their controversial remarks on a popular television talk show. But as the uncertainty over the duo’s future was growing, the CoA ended the suspension pending the appointment of an ombudsman. Consequently, Rahul returned to action although not through the national team but with the India A team for the home series against England Lions.

The time with India A gave him an opportunity to work with the legendary Rahul Dravid and things changed from thereon. He could not deliver in the one-day games but as he spent more time with Dravid, his form improved. In the succeeding two unofficial Tests, KL Rahul slammed 89 and 81 which helped him get a recall for the recently-concluded T20I series against Australia.

Impact of Rahul Dravid

Tipped by many as the backup opener for the upcoming World Cup, KL Rahul was given a chance in both the games and he fully capitalised on it. He began the series by scoring a fifty in a losing cause. On Wednesday, he impressed again by scoring 47 off just 26 balls to give India a solid start although the hosts went on to concede the game by 7 wickets.

Speaking to the reporters after the game, Rahul admitted that spending time away from international cricket and with Dravid helped him.

“I got some time off from international cricket, so I could come back to India and reflect on what was not going right for me. Fortunately, I got to play some India A games where the pressure is a bit less and where I could focus on my skill and my technique.

“Got to spend a lot of time with Rahul Dravid, working on my game and chatting about cricket. He helped a lot in the five games I played for India A. The time I have spent in the middle has helped. It is nice to be back with the boys and back in blue,” said Rahul.

Rahul also hoped that the recent fiasco would be a blessing in disguise, saying, “I hope so. Things happen like I said. Four-five years with Team India. Learnt about the game, where I stand as a cricketer, as a person so just try to get better from there and be consistent and keep performing,” he further added.

India, meanwhile, will be looking to avenge their loss in the T20Is in the upcoming five-match ODI series, starting March 2.

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