JOIN USPlaying in just his fourth Test match, KL Rahul has already made his talent speak in a big way. After the double failure in the opening Test at Galle, Rahul showed his character by scoring his second century in trying conditions.
Delighted with his effort, the 23-year-old said he was determined to get a ton in this match. “Played a couple of matches with India A before coming here and I was hitting the ball well. Spent a lot of time in the nets with the batting coach and took a lot of throwdowns. I felt like I was watching the ball well and moving well, it’s just unfortunate that I couldn’t really do well in the first Test.
“So I came here with a very clear mind where I had a very positive attitude. We lost a couple of early wickets when Virat (Kohli) came and he told me to stay positive and have a clear mind and play with good intent. And we batted really well and the first session we saw it through and we were still getting runs. We were cautious but it was a very confident partnership. That’s the mindset I went in with, to look positive and get runs and I am happy it worked for me today.”
Rahul first ton came in Sydney after suffering a double flop in the preceding Melbourne Test. He felt both the tons came under trying circumstances and was pleased with his performance. “Both have been very difficult hundreds, in very difficult conditions and have been challenging for me. I didn’t get runs in the first Test and to come here and play like the way I did was very satisfying for me individually but honestly I felt I should have done a lot better. I am feeling a little disappointed that after getting a good start, generally after tea to end of the day it is the time when you get more runs when you are set. And I felt I should have been there and could have got more runs for my team.”
Lanka delighted
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s lead pacer Dhammika Prasad said his side was delighted after scalping Rohit Sharma in the final over of the day. “He batted really well. Fortunately we got him out in the last over. It’s a good sign for us because the wicket is quite good for the batsmen. It’s good end to the day for us.”