During the Asia Cup 2023, KL Rahul made his comeback to the India team after recovering from thigh surgery and he instantly made an impact, scoring 169 runs from three innings at an average of 84.50, including an unbeaten century in the Super 4 clash against Pakistan.

The wicketkeeper-batter continued his brilliance in the home ODI series versus Australia, slamming two half-centuries from three innings.

Talking about Rahul’s prowess in the ongoing World Cup, the right-hander has registered scores of 97*, 19*, 34* and 27 from four innings so far.

Ahead of India’s next World Cup clash against England in Lucknow, Rahul addressed a press conference and reflected on the challenging phase that significantly tested him.

"Yes, I am a little sad about that. Whoever has an injury, if you ask anyone - they undergo surgery and to come back, it takes a lot of hard work, a lot of patience and you have to go through that which is not very easy.

"I can't say that (injury) is not in my mind. Yesterday when I came to the ground, my last memory of this ground is that - falling down and injuring myself. Hopefully I can put that aside and I can make some better and happier memories to forget all of that," Rahul said.

While Rahul’s batting abilities were never in question, it is his dedication towards becoming a better wicketkeeper that has impressed one and all.

This was particularly evident in his remarkable diving catch down the leg side to get rid of Mehidy Hasan Miraz in Pune.

"During the process of getting fitter as well, I did focus a lot on wicket keeping along with my batting. The medical team at the NCA felt like - with the kind of injury I had, the difficult part would be wicket keeping more than the batting.

"The things that I've worked much harder on are my fitness and wicket-keeping. Then came batting so it was in that order. So, I did work a lot on my wicket-keeping there and yeah, even when I've come back here, I've spent a lot of time wicket-keeping. I feel like that requires a bit more time and effort from my side.

"It's as simple as any other skill. The more you do, the harder you work on it, you have the best chance to do well and I am taking wicket-keeping seriously because in India, in these conditions, it will be important to have your technique right, to have your glove-work right."

(With PTI Inputs)