KL Rahul: Virat and ABD helped me improve my batting

Rahul, who had a brilliant season with RCB this year along with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, credited the two for the improvement in his batting. Although the Bangalore team lost in the final eventually, Rahul managed to stand out in a team that had these two superstars at the peak of their form. Talking about it, Rahul said, “I spent time with Virat (Kohli) and AB (de Villiers) and asked them questions about what they thought I should do to improve my cricket and be successful in shortest format. Their ideas and feedback did help me in improving my batting”.

Rahul also talked about his preparation in the run-up to the tour and said, "I did not had time to prepare for this IPL because I was coming back from an injury. It's very important to keep things simple and stick to the basics. I will go out there and perform to my strengths, play cricketing shots.

"Wherever we play, the batsmen have bigger responsibility in ODI and T20 formats, to set up big targets and give that cushion to bowlers. We have been in good form off late in the IPL and in the last couple of years in Ranji Trophy and first class cricket. We are looking out to express ourselves. We are looking out to go out there and have fun," he added, reported PTI.

The batsman is  likely to receive his maiden ODI cap in the Zimbabwe tour and appeared upbeat about the prospect of opening the batting in entirely new conditions.

"Once we go there, I don't know how the wickets are in Zimbabwe. It will be definitely challenging for the opening batsman and it's a responsibility that I have enjoyed to go out there and give a solid start to my team.”

However, the batsman appeared unconcerned about whether he will get to open and said that he is fine with any position. "I would like to be in the playing XI and I don't care where I play. It does not really matter where I play,” he said, reported PTI.

Rahul kept wickets for RCB in the season, but admitted that he had ground to cover on that aspect and said that he will work with MS Dhoni on his skills behind the stumps.

"About wicket-keeping, I have enjoyed whatever little bit I could do and contribute for RCB. I will have to work a little harder. I will get some time with MS Dhoni in Zimbabwe and my plan is to try to work with him on my wicket-keeping skills and see what feedback he has for me," Rahul said.

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