KL Rahul says India now know exactly what to expect in Asia Cup final

Ajit Vijaykumar 07:47 26/09/2018
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  • India batsman KL Rahul said the team knows what the conditions will be like in the final of the Asia Cup and said the players know enough about the pitch to succeed on Friday.

    India and Afghanistan played out a thrilling tie in their inconsequential Asia Cup Super Four clash on Tuesday.

    The Men in Blue were bowled out for 252 chasing 253 to win. Openers KL Rahul (60) and Ambati Rayudu (57) added 110 for the first wicket but the fragile middle order crumbled on a slow pitch that offered a lot of turn to Afghanistan’s spinners.

    Rahul said the Indians know what they need to do to win in the final as they have chased and defended totals on different pitches in the tournament.

    “Today was the only game when batting second felt more difficult. I don’t want to take anything away from the Afghanistan bowers. They are a quality spin attack. We will have to see what kind of wicket we play on in the final,” Rahul said after the match.

    “Going to the World Cup, we have only 14 or 15 games so each one is very important. So we are all looking forward to win one more tournament. Overall we know that wicket will be slow and help spinners, batting or bowling first. We know exactly what to expect in the final. The boys have had a good hit in the middle and we will use that experience to do well in the final.”

    IN AND OUT

    Rahul has been in and out of the Indian team across formats and has moved up and down the order numerous times. Such uncertainty never helps the confidence of a player but the 26-year-old said all he can do is make the most of the opportunities and work on his game when away from the team.

    “It has been challenging to bat different positions. I have always batted at the top of the order from junior cricket and that is the most comfortable position for me. But in a team sport you need to be flexible and whatever the responsibility the team gives you need to put your hand up and do the best job you can. Unfortunately the chances I have got in the middle-order haven’t gone my way,” Rahul explained.

    “The team management explained what they expect out of me. I needed to know personally which direction I am heading. We had a chat and they gave me a clear idea and plan of what they are expecting me to do.

    “I know how I have to work on my game. Whatever position I get I have to make best use of it. It is disheartening and frustrating at times. But given the competition, nobody is a sureshot. So you have to wait your turn. You have to be patient and work hard. Whenever I am not playing, it’s easy for me to sit and sulk why am I not playing. But I use that time to improve my fitness and game.”

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