We will have to be selective in our strokes while playing the new ball against SA, says KL Rahul

INDIA BATSMAN KL Rahul has divulged about his preparation ahead of the three-match Test series against South Africa, starting January 5. 

The India opener mentioned that his side will have to be selective in playing their strokes and will have to leave plenty of deliveries while playing the new ball. As reported by Indian Express, Rahul said,

“On Indian wickets, especially since we’re going from having played the shorter formats, pitches don’t do much, so you can stand and play a lot of shots. Once you go there, there will be a lot of seam movement. You will have to leave a lot of balls, especially against the new ball, and be selective in your strokes. You have to give yourself some time to get set.”

Speaking about batting alongside Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan, Rahul added,

“There is a calmness in how Vijay goes about his innings. The way he takes his time and the way he leaves balls around off-stump. He controls that phase of the game and gives a lot of confidence, as a result, to the man at the other end. Shikhar is more attacking. The right-left combination also makes the bowler constantly readjust his line and length. It gives an opportunity to get more bad balls.”

The 25-year-old also showered praise on coach Ravi Shastri.

“He hasn’t said this to me in as many words, but he’s somebody who has helped me a lot. He has helped me mentally and given me confidence as a coach and is like a mentor to all of us. He is constantly asking us to be fearless and back our game. He is someone with whom I can talk about anything.”

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