‘It hurts when I look at my average, but I’m not chasing numbers anymore’ – KL Rahul after superb Headingley ton

KL Rahul produced some gritty knocks during the 2024-2025 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he failed to achieve a three-figure score. He got off to a good start, but he threw his wicket away just as he was about to get a big score. Rahul appeared at ease in the first innings of India’s ongoing Headingley Test against England, scoring 42 runs. However, his downfall was caused by a lack of attention and an insatiable need.

KL Rahul went unbeaten on 47 at the end of Day 3 of India’s second innings. Cheteshwar Pujara, a former India cricketer, urged the Karnataka batter to convert his start into a significant score on Day 4, and he obliged, scoring a majestic 137 off 247, forging a 195-run stand with Rishabh Pant to help the tourists set England a stiff target of 371 for the fourth innings.

Rahul confessed at the close of play on Day 4 that his Test average of less than 35 saddens him. However, the 33-year-old stated that he has quit chasing numbers and is now more focused on performing well for his country.

“Of course, seeing my average stings. But at this point, I’d rather not think about figures. I want to make an impact whenever I have the chance, and I like playing Test cricket for India. “It is what I grew up loving,” Rahul told Sky Sports.

“I am only getting runs now. I used to get starts but not turn them into big scores, particularly in tests. I am more calmer in my brain now, and I am no longer chasing numbers. “I just want to enjoy my cricket as much as possible,” he added.

I’ve gone back to the basics: KL Rahul

Rahul thanked former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, whose guidance over the last year and a half has helped him return to basics and work harder during practice sessions.

“I’ve worked a lot with him and spent a lot of time with him over the last 15-18 months.” I’ve gone back to fundamentals, doing time. In international cricket, I used to prioritise quality over quantity and didn’t smash enough balls. Now I’m back to loving hitting a lot of balls into the nets,” Rahul stated.