Memorable outing for Rahul

 The second Test match here will hold a special place in aspiring opener KL Rahul’s life. Not only did the 23-year-old pick up his first man of the match award after slamming a second Test century in just his fourth appearance, he also pulled out a brilliant catch to dismiss Angelo Mathews upon being asked to don the wicketkeeper’s gloves as a makeshift.

“I have always enjoyed keeping,” said Rahul. “I used to keep earlier for my State (Karnataka) and later didn’t have much chance to keep. But I have always enjoyed keeping and I keep myself ready if ever anyone wants me to keep. It’s unfortunate that Saha had to miss out with injury but I am very happy to take over the gloves. Then first ball of the day, taking a catch like that, Angelo Mathews was an important wicket for us. He has been batting well and he was a key wicket for us. And getting him out was nice and it set up the mood for us.”

Rahul also said he feels very comfortable blending with the young team. “It is easier when you come into a dressing room like this which is young. Even back home when I played for State, the team is very young so I understand how easy it is for a youngster to walk in. It feels comfortable when you are not looking up to people you know who are way older. We are all 25-26 here and you can go and talk to them.

“We have all played cricket together back in india at some stage or some junior level so we understand each others’ game very well and I have been talking to these guys a lot. They have come into the team in the past couple years and they know what a youngster goes through when he initially comes into the team and what is the pressure he has to face when he goes into the middle. So to interact with them and have a group which is young and very humble and willing to learn every day is the best atmosphere that I could be in.”