Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani reveals KL Rahul's commitment to the England tour and his decision to prioritize country over family.
Badani Praises KL Rahul’s Early Commitment to England Tour
Hemang Badani recently revealed KL Rahul’s commitment towards the country. Badani highlighted KL Rahul’s intent to join the squad early, before many players, to get featured in the 2nd Test match against England Lions. Notably, KL Rahul had a good outing in the Test match with his 137 off 247 balls, steering India to 364 runs in the first innings.
"I really liked the fact that he was someone who said, ‘I want to go to England early. I want to play the side game.’ Forget about the hundred he got — that came later. The intent — that’s what matters. The intent to be there early, to be prepared, to be with the side. Let’s not forget, he’s a young father, and I don’t think his child is travelling with him initially. So for him to say, ‘Country over my child’ — that’s a huge call," Badani told the Times of India.
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KL Rahul, now the senior-most player on the Indian team after the retirement of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from Test cricket, chose his country over being with his newborn child. Badani highlighted his intent and commitment towards the nation
"He could’ve easily said, ‘I'm not playing the side game anyway, I’ll just go straight to the Test match.’ But he didn’t." KL made a statement I remember ahead of the Test series: ‘I care for this team, and I want to be here.’ He wanted to go to England. I could see the hunger in his eyes and in his words. In the absence of Rohit and Virat, he becomes the senior-most batter — and he has played that role really well," said Badani.
Rahul’s Senior Role and Key Partnership Highlight India’s Fightback
The commitment of KL Rahul has earned him a personal milestone as he scored his 8th overseas century and his first 4th innings century in England. He, along with Pant, stitched a key partnership to set a target of 372 for England, but due to a lack of catching and bowling effort, India was defeated by 5 wickets.
Though in the defeat, KL Rahul was seen motivating the team and stood alongside Shubman Gill, guiding him through a tough phase, influencing bowling changes, and also helping set the field at various instances.
KL Rahul is the most important factor for India in this series. He started well with a century and is expected to be consistent, leading India with his experience to make a comeback in the 2nd Test.
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