KL Rahul sees similarities between himself and 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal’s first tour of Australia mirrors Rahul’s own experience a decade ago.
In the 2014-15 series, a 22-year-old Rahul debuted at the MCG, scoring 3 and 1. He then opened in Sydney, scoring a remarkable 110.
He admitted to feeling nervous. However, batting with Murali Vijay for an hour during the second innings in Sydney, where he scored 16, helped him significantly.
KL Rahul Press Conference ahead of 2nd Test
Rahul is now mentoring Jaiswal, much like Vijay mentored him.
In Perth, Rahul and Jaiswal established a record Indian opening partnership of 201. Jaiswal achieved a century, while Rahul contributed a valuable 77.
“I saw a bit of myself in him how I was 10 years ago, opening the batting for the first time, lots of doubts, lot of nerves and you keep doubting your own game and a lot that happens in your head, and so all you can do is try and slow things down, try and take a few deep breaths,” Rahul replied when asked about his conversations with Indian cricket’s next ‘pin-up’ boy.
Should India continue with KL Rahul-Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers?
Rahul spoke about his conversations with Jaiswal. He acknowledged the pressure a young opener faces.
“That’s what was passed on to me by my fellow opening partner (M Vijay), I just passed that on to him,” Rahul remembered his Test hundred in Sydney, which was his second game of his career.
Rahul recalled his century in Sydney, his second Test match. He emphasized the importance of managing self-doubt.
“I am not saying I don’t have all these thoughts, I do. But having been there, I know what I need to do to get past those doubts and thoughts you have in your head. And so whatever I told Jaiswal was what I have myself practiced,” he said.
Rahul shared his strategy for overcoming these doubts with Jaiswal. He practices what he preaches.
Rahul observed Jaiswal’s growing confidence after facing the initial overs. He noticed Jaiswal’s improved composure at the crease.
“Once he got past those first 30-40 balls, he started feeling more confident, he was seeing the ball really well and batted beautifully.”
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