KL Rahul recalled M Vijay guiding him on his first tour to Australia in 2014-15.
KL Rahul recognizes similarities between himself and 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal. Jaiswal's first tour of Australia is similar to Rahul's experience a decade earlier.
Rahul, 22, made his MCG debut in 2014-15, scoring three runs and one. He then opened in Sydney, earning an impressive 110. He admits to being nervous. However, batting with Murali Vijay for an hour during the second innings in Sydney, where he hit 16, aided him greatly.
Rahul is now mentoring Jaiswal, much like Vijay mentored him. In the Perth Test, Rahul and Jaiswal established a record Indian opening partnership of 201. Jaiswal achieved a century, while Rahul contributed a valuable 77.
"I saw a bit of myself in him how I was 10 years ago, opening the batting for the first time, lots of doubts, lot of nerves and you keep doubting your own game and a lot that happens in your head, and so all you can do is try and slow things down, try and take a few deep breaths," Rahul said during a press conference in Adelaide.
Rahul spoke about his conversations with Jaiswal. He acknowledged the pressure a young opener faces. Rahul recalled his century in Sydney, his second Test match. He emphasized the importance of managing self-doubt.
"That's what was passed on to me by my fellow opening partner (M Vijay), I just passed that on to him. I am not saying I don't have all these thoughts; I do. But having been there, I know what I need to do to get past those doubts and thoughts you have in your head. And so, whatever I told Jaiswal was what I have myself practiced," he said.
Rahul discussed his method for resolving these doubts with Jaiswal. He practices what he preaches. Rahul noticed Jaiswal's gaining confidence after facing the early overs. He saw Jaiswal's improved demeanor at the crease.
"Once he got past those first 30-40 balls, he started feeling more confident, he was seeing the ball really well and batted beautifully,” Rahul stated.
(ANI inputs)