India vs Australia third Test: Avoiding the follow-on makes a huge difference, says K.L. Rahul

KL Rahul bats on day 4 of the third Test against Australia in Brisbane on December 17, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP

Like slurping a gadbad ice cream at his hometown Mangaluru, K.L. Rahul seems to have taken a liking for Australia’s bowlers. His 84 during India’s reply to Australia’s 445 in the third Test, was a fine innings, and the opener found more joy in the runs that Ravindra Jadeja and the last-wicket pair of Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep scored at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).

Speaking to the media, Rahul said: “It’s very good to see the lower-order scoring runs. Their (Bumrah and Akash) little partnership and avoiding the follow-on makes a huge difference, especially knowing that there’s a bit of rain around and so much of the game has already been lost to rain.”

“In the last half an hour, it was not just the runs that they got but also the heart that they showed to keep away the bouncers. To get behind the ball, defend well, leave the ball and hit some nice shots, was really good. It will give them confidence and will give us as a group a lot of confidence,” Rahul added.

Praising Jadeja, Rahul said: “I was happy that we could stitch a partnership. He went on to score a 77 and every run was crucial. He understands exactly what he needs to do. Often, it’s only Jadeja’s bowling that’s spoken about but I think he is a great performer even with the bat. He has a solid technique and keeps his game-plan really simple.”

As for his batting philosophy, Rahul explained: “When you travel overseas and when you are playing quality fast bowlers. You have to respect the first 20, 30 overs. You have to just soak in the pressure and wait for your time to score runs. You have to earn the right to score runs in overseas conditions.”