‘There’s a little bit of a blueprint in my head to play ODIs’: KL Rahul after Chandigarh masterclass

KL Rahul said he has developed a clear blueprint for handling different situations in ODI cricket, a plan that helped him produce a career-best 129 not out against the West Indies in the third ODI at the new PCA Stadium.

Rahul, who did not get an opportunity to bat in the first two matches of the series, made the most of his chance in the decider on Saturday. Coming in at No. 5 with India at 160/4, he initially consolidated before shifting gears late in the innings to help India add 105 runs in the final 10 overs.

He reached his half-century from 41 balls and completed his ninth ODI century from 80 deliveries, finishing unbeaten on 129.

“For me, it’s very important that I prepare really well. I put a lot of focus on how I prepare. I am someone who sits down and thinks about how I want to play my cricket and how I want to bat in certain scenarios,” Rahul said in a BCCI video.

“When I’m batting at number five, I won’t say there’s a fixed template, but there’s a little bit of a blueprint in my head as to this is how I’m going to play in ODI cricket,” he added.

Rahul said his preparation also allows him to switch quickly into match mode when representing India.

“When you play for India, when you’re representing your country, and when you walk out trying to face up to that first ball, and there are so many people who have come to watch you… I don’t think it takes too much time to switch on,” he said.

“The things that I’ve really worked on are the things that I can control: my game plan and my preparation. And if I can tick those boxes, then I feel quite switched on,” Rahul added.

His effort, however, was overshadowed as West Indies captain Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 162 to guide the visitors to a successful chase with 10 balls to spare.

The match also marked a personal milestone for Rahul, who crossed 10,000 runs in international cricket, joining a select group of Indian players to reach the landmark.

“A handful of people in our country have been able to achieve 10,000 runs overall. So yeah, a very special moment for me, for my coaches, for my family,” Rahul said.

Reflecting on his career, the India batter said he had experienced the highs and lows that come with professional sport.

“It’s been quite a journey; I’ve seen ups and downs and everything that can happen in an athlete’s career. I think I’ve been through that, and I’m very grateful for all of that,” he said.

“Just to get an opportunity today to be in the middle and bat and score some runs for the team felt good. Really good day, and I’m very happy,” Rahul added.