Needed to make use of opportunity I was given, says KL Rahul

Rahul top-scored for the Men in Blue in the second match against Ireland and along with Suresh Raina helped India post a mammoth 213/4 after being put into bat. In reply, Ireland couldn't even last the full 20 overs and folded for just 70 runs to hand India the series 2-0. Rahul got the chance to get back his opening slot after India rested regular opener Shikhar Dhawan and dropped Rohit Sharma down the order for the match. Rahul and captain Virat Kohli opened the innings and while Kohli failed to capitalise scoring just 9 runs, Rahul latched on the opportunity with both hands and was adjudged man-of-the-match for his knock.

"It was important for me to make the most of my opportunities that I get. It was a good wicket and I enjoyed batting on it. I came into the series with a good run in the IPL, so I just continued and enjoyed myself in the middle.

"Getting time off gets me more determined to come back and make runs. It is important to use the time out to work on your cricket and technique. Whenever I am sitting out I try to work on coming back stronger. The kind of team we have, it is hard to stay in the side and take your place for granted," Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rahul, who has never played in the United Kingdom before, said that the next challenge would be the limited-overs and Test series in England starting next month. England have been in exceptional form, particularly in the limited overs format cue their demolition of Australia in the ODI series. 

"I've never played in the UK before, and we know it will be challenging. That's what this young team has been doing for the last few years, and we will be up to the challenge. This series will also test our skills and character, so we are looking forward to that," the 26-year-old concluded.