KL Rahul's Glovework Impresses Teammates and Coaches

Bangladesh's Mehidy Hasan Miraz felt a tinge of tickles from Mohammed Siraj's ball, which was drifting down the leg side. Initially, it seemed as if the ball would beat the wicketkeeper, but KL Rahul coordinated his footwork and glove to jump acrobatically to his left, seizing the opportunity with one hand.

Even his teammates were stunned by this incredible display. The previous day at Eden Gardens, Rahul made another amazing grab as he dove low to eliminate Aiden Markram.

Rahul's glovework at the World Cup has been consistently brilliant. His efforts were duly rewarded when he twice won the medal for being the team's best fielder, which was given to him by the support staff under the direction of fielding coach T. Dilip.

Well in advance of India's World Cup campaign, Rahul Dravid had laid out his ideas. The only way the squad could make up for Rishabh Pant's absence was to find a smart batsman who could take wickets and secure a spot in the starting lineup.

And Rahul was a wonderful match in the grand scheme of things.

Dravid knew Rahul had maintained wickets at the age-group level since he had watched him closely during his early years with Karnataka. Rahul, a frequent wicketkeeper in the Indian Premier League, didn't emerge from the wicketkeeper's shadow until much later.

India might play five specialist bowlers in addition to Hardik Pandya as an extra all-rounder by bringing in a 'keeper-batter. Dravid's preparations were temporarily derailed by Rahul's injury and the ensuing quadriceps tear surgery, but the National Cricket Academy medical staff worked assiduously behind the scenes to bring Rahul back to match fitness.

Rahul's toughest issue was getting beyond his mental block. His return was delayed by another niggle, just as he was becoming healthy again. Just minutes before the toss, Rahul was informed he will play in his first Asia Cup encounter after the injury against Pakistan. It was a baptism by fire. After giving a century in response, he has merely reached his top.

He created several important partnerships and gave the top-order at No. 5 a cushion, which has been a defining feature of India's recent winning run. However, his wicketkeeping abilities have been enlightening.

It was difficult to squat since it takes quadriceps strength. The same was true of his hunching over and shifting to the sides. Rahul said that he sometimes had a secret dread of suffering. Dilip, the fielding coach, was vital in helping him hone his motions even if he was unable to concentrate on his wicketkeeping.

One ability that is sometimes overlooked is wicketkeeping, which includes leg side stumpings and catches as well as arriving to the wicket and the stumps to collect throws. During one of the medal ceremonies, Dilip said in the dressing room, "KL Rahul was fantastic overall."

In addition, Rahul recently said that he has become more "thick-skinned" and sought expert assistance to avoid "outside noise" while adopting captain Rohit Sharma's strategy of avoiding "social media."

With Pandya's injury, Rahul was reappointed vice captain, which means he now has more accountability. He is ready for the new task now that he has overcome the mental hurdle.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.