When I come back, I wish to take off from where I left: KL Rahul

KL Rahul was forced to miss out the celebrations at the Holkar Stadium a couple of days back when Virat Kohli was handed over the mace by Sunil Gavaskar after completing a 3-0 clean sweep against New Zealand. There was one name, who recently earned prominence, was missing from the team picture and all the selfies which were posted on twitter from the dressing room – KL Rahul.

The right-hander, who amassed 236 runs in three matches at an average of 78.66 during the West Indies tour in August picked up a hamstring injury in the first Test in Kanpur and had to leave the series half-way. It is always unpalatable for a player to stay out of the team, especially when going through a good path. Rahul is no different and also felt the same when he was watching the test series from his home.

“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. India played incredible cricket, both in Kolkata and Indore.

KL Rahul has had a fantastic 2016. The Karnataka batsman, who as tagged as a ‘test specialist’ at the start of his career, has re-invented himself and has now become a serious contender fro the opening slot in all three formats.

The 24-year-old, who is one of only three Indians, Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma being the other two, to have made an international century in all three formats of the game, admits coming back from injury won’t be easy.

“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 added. About the extent of his injury, Rahul said things were not serious and is positive about making a comeback soon, although he can’t predict the exact date of his return.

“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 said.