IPL 2021, CSK vs PBKS: Don't think I have smashed the ball that sweetly in some time, says KL Rahul

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul sounded extremely happy, following an unbeaten 98 in an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday. Rahul accumulated the tally of runs off 42 deliveries in an innings comprising of seven boundaries and eight sixes. The PBKS skipper had often been criticised for adopting a conservative approach while batting in the past, but this instance was certainly not one of them.

“Plan was clear and I had the licence to go from ball 1”

“It was really hot today. Plan was simple. The numbers guys pulled up a few permutations and combinations. They said if we chase this before 14 overs it gives us the best chance. So the plan was clear and I had the licence to go from ball 1. One of those days when it comes off when you have complete clarity. All of them hit the middle of the bat. I don’t think I have creamed the ball that sweetly in some time. My personal favourite would be the one (SIX) off Josh Hazlewood over square leg. I love playing the pull shot. Especially after being struck on the head, was a good response. It’s (the bat) making a funny noise with the handle so I was just a little worried in the middle. There’s a World Cup coming up. I want that bat to stay fit. I will go back to the room and fix it up,” said Rahul as quoted by Cricbuzz.

The PBKS skipper addressed the discussion over his strike rate, adding that he was simply looking to deliver what the team needs.

“It was just what the team needs. I know there has been a lot of talk in the last 3-4 years about my strike-rate and me playing slowly. But only my team and I know what’s my role and what my responsibility is. I tried to play the role the team requires off me every game. I feel I am letting the team down if I play the kind of cricket I want to play. It’s always team first for me. That’s how I have grown up and that’s how I will continue to play. Today the team needed this. I was happy that I could play this kind of a knock,” stated Rahul.

“Need to hold your shape”

The wicketkeeper-batsman elaborated on the factors which help him smash the ball astutely.

“When you get going like that you feel like you can hit every ball. You need to hold your shape. The only thing I keep telling myself is I am not a power-hitter. I still rely on timing and getting my body in good positions. So I keep telling myself to set up strong, watch the ball and trust my instincts to play the right shot. In the nets I train my mind and train my instincts to make the right choice in the middle. There’s no better feeling than hitting the ball in the middle of the bat and watching the ball fly all over the park,” concluded Rahul.