Kohli and ABD helped me improve my cricket, claims KL Rahul

While most traditionalists have always been critical of the shortest version of the game stating that it does not help the players develop the skills required to play Test cricket, KL Rahul has emerged as an anomaly transforming his T20 form into Test form easily. After a successful IPL campaign where he scored 397 runs in 14 games, the batsman has scored 4 centuries in Test cricket for his country this year. The humble Karnataka-born lad, however, thanked his RCB teammates Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers for helping him develop his batting skills.

“I spent time with Virat and AB and asked them questions about what they thought I should do to improve my cricket and be successful in the shortest format. Their ideas and feedback did help me in improving my batting,” Rahul said, reported news18.

Rahul, however, singled out captain Virat Kohli for special praise stating the Indian cricket team is lucky to have him as the captain.

"He (Kohli) is such an inspiration. We feel lucky that we don’t have to look too far. The guy who inspires you is sitting right next to you in the dressing room. The level of commitment that he has shown, the discipline and work ethic, the way he has been so disciplined with his fitness, nutrition and diet — that is something that has inspired all of us," Rahul added.

The opener played a patient innings during the first innings of the last Test in Chennai and was unfortunate to miss out on a double century, falling just one run short. The batsman looked devastated after his dismissal and it took him a few minutes to process what had happened.

"I played a horrible shot and got out on 199. I haven't seen the videos. Just been standing under the shower. It will take some time to sink in. I thought I would get a double hundred in ease. Just have to come back stronger," Rahul said after the match.