Mangaluru, Nov 14: He's a young cricketer from the port city of Mangaluru. Splendid performances in the 2013-14 domestic season was closely followed by centuries in both innings for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final match against Central Zone, at Ferozeshah Kotla, in Delhi. His performances were closely monitored by the national selectors who rewarded the 22-year old opener with a place in the 19-member squad for the four-test tour of Australia.
Rahul was fielding during Karnataka's Vijay Hazare trophy match against Tamil Nadu when news came out about his inclusion in the Indian team for the Australia Tests. There wasn't any sense of joy or euphoria on the young opener's face, instead preferring to concentrate on the ongoing match. It didn't really sink in at that moment because it was an important time in the game and I didn't have time to focus on the news, explains Rahul. When the game ended, that is when I felt happy, admitted Rahul.
Terming his inclusion into the national team as a big opportunity, Rahul said he was looking forward to playing for India, which he called as 'dream come true'. "This is BIG for someone who gets a call up to the Indian Test team for the first time in his life and who has dreamt about it for the last twenty years. I have woken up everyday thinking about playing Test cricket for the country with the best and this is a dream come true," Rahul said. "I don't have words to describe how much this weighs but it definitely means a lot to me. It is one of the biggest days in my life till now. It is a big day for me and my family. Representing the country is a dream that every cricketer has when he starts off playing cricket," he added.
While insisting that the feeling of playing for India hasn't sunk in as yet, the stylish opener added that he was preparing himself in the off-season with the anticipation of the Australian tour. "I have been working really hard in the off-season keeping in mind the Australian tour. I always wanted to be ready if I get a chance. It will be a really challenging tour but I am very sure I am going to enjoy the challenge," he said.
Rahul admitted that his twin centuries in the Duleep Trophy final played a big role in him getting selected for the Australian tour. "It was in the back of my mind. The selections were nearing and I knew for a fact that this was the last game where I could try and make an impact. I took it as a big opportunity. The wicket in the Duleep Trophy Final was a good one and I was batting really well. I didn't want to miss out on it and I am glad that I did very well in that game," he said.
Rahul's case was strengthened after his namesake, former legendary Indian batsman, Rahul Dravid, earmarked him as one of the players to look out in the future. Hailing from the same state, Karnataka, Rahul thanked Dravid for his inputs. "I think I have been really lucky to have full support of legendary cricketers. Rahul bhai has backed me right since he has seen me from the U-15 times. He has always had an eye on me and helped me with my cricket," he said.
Rahul had a fruitful 2014 Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign for Sunrisers Hyderabad, and said his interactions with players like VVS Laxman, David Warner, Aaron Finch and Dale Steyn was a wonderful education in itself. "I used to talk a lot with Aaron Finch and shared a couple of partnerships with David Warner in the IPL. I understand that the best learning is out there in the middle when you see how they perform and when you talk to them. You learn a lot from such conversations and get to know what is going on in their minds during a match situation. I spoke a lot to them and to Dale Steyn as well. The IPL has been a fantastic experience for me in that aspect," he said.
"I have personally taken a lot from my IPL stint with the Sunrisers Hyderabad. VVS Laxman has been a great influence and he used to talk a lot to me about my batting and worked on it closely," Rahul added.
The Karnataka opener said he had no immediate plans for the Australian Tests and was looking forward to learning a lot from his seniors on the tour. "I still havent had the time to sit down and write down my targets for the tour. I just look to go out there and enjoy my game. I am looking forward to learning a lot from the seniors and enjoying my time with the team. It will be quite an experience to get a feel of what international cricket is like," he said.
Rahul's back-foot play was evident during his excellent run of scores in the recent past. With the Australian tracks expected to be pacy and bouncy, he admitted to have worked specifically on this aspect of his game during his recent net sessions. "I know that the Australian wickets are going to be bouncy and I have worked on my back foot play. Nothing in specific though, and I have been going through my usual practice sessions that I have been doing since I started playing cricket. I have spent a lot of time on my fitness as well so that I am fit and ready for the challenges ahead," Rahul said.
Rahul was a part of the 'A' team that toured Australia early this year. Despite a less than impressive show, the 22-year-old opener said he came back with plenty of exposure and was looking ahead for the challenge coming up. "It is just about keeping my head down, being calm and enjoying the challenge. I did go to Australia on a India A tour after the IPL and played a little bit in Brisbane and have played against most of them. It was a learning curve for me though we played a lot on slow wickets in Australia. I couldn't get a feel of actual Australian wickets but honestly I am looking forward to this tour," he said.
"I dont think I will have time to go through any emotions when you see the likes of Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle bowling at you. Your mind wont be able to think a lot apart from just watching the ball and playing it," he added.
Rahul has been named as the reserve opener and he was hopeful about proving himself when his turn arrives. "I will go out there and play the same way I have been playing domestic cricket till now and not worry about when my chances will come; whether or not I will get my chance. I will just go there, work hard and make sure I will be prepared to do well when I get my chance," he signed off.
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