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KL Rahul reflects on 10-Year journey ahead of Adelaide Pink-Ball Test

As India prepares for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against Australia at the Adelaide Oval, KL Rahul opened up about his decade-long journey in international cricket. The 32-year-old batter, reflecting on his debut against Australia in December 2014, expressed hope that this series could mark the beginning of a defining second chapter in his career.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Rahul described how surreal it was to make his debut at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), a moment he had only dreamed of as a young fan watching India-Australia matches with his father. “Ten years ago, it was my first Test series. Watching those games growing up and then being part of it was a surreal experience,” he shared. He noted that while his debut was filled with uncertainty, today he feels more assured both as a player and as a person.

Rahul acknowledged the highs and lows of his career, including injuries, inconsistent form, and external criticism, which have shaped his growth. “I’m grateful for everything—the good, the bad, the ups and downs. I look forward to the next 10 years and hope this series marks something great for the second half of my career,” he said.

Despite his struggles, Rahul’s technical proficiency and ability to score centuries in challenging conditions have made him a standout player. He is part of an elite group of Indian batters to have scored centuries in Australia, England, and South Africa as an opener. However, maintaining consistency has been a challenge, with his Test average of 34.26 falling short of expectations despite eight centuries and 16 fifties in 54 matches.

While Rahul’s performances away from home include seven of his eight Test centuries, his overseas averages—26.36 in Australia, 28.38 in South Africa, and 34.11 in England—highlight his battle with consistency. Across formats, however, he has amassed 8,200 runs in 203 matches at an average of 39.42, with ODIs being his most successful format, averaging 49.15 with seven centuries in 77 matches.

Also See: India Cricket Schedule | Australia Cricket Schedule

Ahead of his first pink-ball Test, Rahul emphasized the challenges of adapting to the unique format, noting how the pink ball feels harder and quicker than the red ball. “It’s different in terms of picking up the ball and handling the swing. We’ve been practicing hard to get used to it,” he said. The match marks an opportunity for India to exorcise memories of the 2020 Adelaide Test, where they were bowled out for 36, their lowest Test score.

Also See: India vs Australia Upcoming Matches Schedule, Match Dates and Timing

India enters the day-night Test with a 1-0 lead in the series, having dominated the first Test in Perth with a 295-run victory led by Jasprit Bumrah’s stellar performance. Rahul’s contributions, including a gritty 77, will be key as India aims to extend their lead and capitalize on their momentum.

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