K.L. Rahul said India’s first Test win over Sri Lanka was built on a team performance that addressed many of the areas the side had been working on. Speaking after the match, the India vice-captain said the result would help the team carry confidence into the next game.
Rahul’s comments came after India completed victory in the opening Test against Sri Lanka. He pointed to batting in spin-friendly conditions as one of the main takeaways, with India also looking ahead to a home series against Australia next year.
Rahul on India’s performance
Rahul said India had reason to be satisfied with how the match went, while making it clear that the work would continue. “We ticked most of the boxes and this will give us confidence going into the next game and we also have a big home series (against Australia) coming up next year,” he told the media.
He added that batting against spin in turning conditions had been an area of focus for the group. “So just understanding batting against spin in spinning conditions is something that we have been working on,” Rahul said.
His assessment was measured. India had won the Test, but the emphasis in his remarks was on process, preparation and how the team can use the result before tougher assignments. In a format where conditions often change quickly, Rahul’s focus on specific skills such as playing spin was a practical reading of the match.
Padikkal’s innings stood out
Rahul reserved strong praise for Devdutt Padikkal, his Karnataka team-mate, whose first-innings century helped put India in control. Rahul said Padikkal’s tempo and ability to build partnerships were important in setting up the Test.
“The way he batted, the tempo that he batted with and to go on and get a big 100 in the first innings really set up the game for us,” Rahul said.
He also noted that the conditions were difficult, with heat adding to the challenge for batters. “The conditions were really hot and challenging. For him to get through that, get a 100, make it big and stitch partnerships, that set up this Test for us,” Rahul said.
Rahul’s comments carried the perspective of someone who knows Padikkal well. He said he has played a lot of cricket with him, and that made the innings especially pleasing to watch from within the same dressing room.
An open dressing room, says Rahul
Asked about his role in helping younger players, Rahul played down the idea of a single mentor figure in the Indian team. He said support inside the squad is shared across the group.
“It’s everybody’s responsibility to help your fellow team-mates and the dressing room here is always open. There is no ego here, and there is no shame in asking questions,” Rahul said.
That point matters in the context of a relatively young Indian unit. Rahul is among the more experienced players in the squad, and his approach suggests that younger cricketers are being encouraged to seek advice without hesitation. The source does not indicate any specific individual discussions, but Rahul’s description of the team environment was clear.
Rahul on Suthar and his own game
Rahul also spoke about Manav Suthar, describing him as a consistent player. “He is very consistent and hopefully he will keep getting better,” Rahul said.
On his own Test career, Rahul said experience has helped him develop a calmer state of mind. Having played “60 odd Tests”, he said he now carries a sense of balance when he walks into a match.
“I carry calmness into every Test. Having played 60 odd Tests, there is a sense of balance and calmness now when I walk into a Test,” he said.
For India, Rahul’s experience is a useful presence around younger players. For Rahul himself, the Sri Lanka Test win was a chance to underline that the team is looking at the immediate result and at the skills it needs for the matches ahead.
Source: The Hindu Cricket.