Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 29: Indian test cricketer K L Rahul, who hails from Mangaluru, has already proved that he is here to stay. Touted as the next big star of Indian cricket, K L Rahul is currently recovering from an injury.
In an exclusive interview to daijiworld during his visit to the city to inaugurate Zuese Fitness Club, Kannur Lokesh Rahul said he was excited to be back in his hometown.
"My heart is always in Mangaluru. I grew up here. As a child I started playing here. My family still lives here and all of us love Mangaluru," he says.
Rahul is now looking forward to get fit and play for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL. "My next aim is to perform better in IPL. Now I have to make sure that my bone heals well so I can make prepare myself completely. IPL is a big event and it is important to be perfectly fit."
After a glorious 2013-2014, Rahul had made an unimpressive debut against Australia in Melboune in December 2014, where he batted way down the order and managed to score only four runs in two innings. He bounced back in the very next test at Sydney, opening the batting and going on to score his maiden century.
Asked about the Australian tour, he says, "In the last two years, the guys have been performing very well. In Australia things didn't go our way. We played our best cricket. Unfortunately, Australians were better in a few sessions and went on to win the game and the series in a few close encounters. It's a good learning experience for all of us. But in later series against Sri Lanka and against South Africa we performed really well and clinched the number 1 ranking in test and T20."
Asked how the team celebrated the number one ranking, he says, "It was the best start (to the year) a young team could get. It was nice to regain the no 1 ranking as a team. It will motivate us to do better. After the IPL and T20 World Cup, a test series is coming up. Now Australia have become the No 1 in test. We will fire guns to regain the No 1 spot."
A ardent fan of Rahul Dravid, the 23-year-old cricketer likes to spend his free time playing football and other sports. "I love tattoos and listening to music. I am learning the guitar right now. I like to challenge my mind and body and I love adventure sports. I would love to try bungee jumping, which so far I could not due to my fracture."
He hopes to be fit within two weeks and start regular practice.
Not only is Mangaluru close to his heart, but also its cuisine. "I love my mother's cooking. Even in Bengaluru, I make sure every week I have Mangalurean food in restaurants run by people of Mangaluru origin. I go to the restaurants there and eat dosas and rotis. They are my favourites. I love seafood the most.
Asked to choose between M S Dhoni and Virat Kohli, he diplomatically replies, "K L Rahul."
His message to the budding cricketers: "Cricket is a sport and you have got to work hard. Competition is very high. Cricket has a funny way of giving you success. Keep things simple and work hard. Follow the right direction and believe in yourself. You will achieve success. Play with confidence."
Here's wishing K L Rahul a speedy recovery and a brilliant career ahead.
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