With a below expected show at the recently held Asia Cup 2022 in UAE, India deputy skipper, KL Rahul has been receiving wide criticism as an opener and also with his strike rate.
“What criticism?” KL Rahul instinctively asked when he was asked about his T20 strike rate hype. Moreover, Rahul shrugged off questions surrounding himself at the position in which he plays in the format, he said that strike rate doesn’t tell you the entire story, however, he added that “it is something” he is working on.
“Strike-rates are taken on an overall basis. You never see when that batsman has played at a certain strike-rate, whether it was important for him to play at 200 strike-rate, whether the team could still have won (by) striking at 100 and 120,” Rahul told reporters in Mohali on Monday ahead of India’s three-match T20I series opener against Australia on the 20th at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium.
“Strike-rate is something I am working at. I am working towards it, on how I can improve myself as an opening batter and see how I can have the most impact for my team when I go out to bat,” added the Lucknow Supergiant’s captain. Rahul strikes at 140.91 in the T20Is, which is just above his overall T20 strike-rate of 137.35.
KL also thanked coach and captain, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, who have been given the players immense support and an environment, which is not afraid to fail.
“We criticise ourselves more than anyone else because we are representing our country. So, when we don’t do well, it hurts the most. I have a leader, coach, and support staff, who encourage players who are going through a rough patch. Every individual wants to see a little bit of support, and that is what I have received.” concluded the vice-captain.
