Hurt Rahul used axing from Test team as "fuel" to make strong comeback

Before the England tour, Rahul last played in a Test in August 2019, against the West Indies in Kingston.

Being dropped from the Test team two years ago did hurt him but India opener K.L. Rahul says he used that as "fuel" to make a strong comeback in the ongoing tour of England. The 29-year-old, who made a fine 129 in India's first-innings total of 364 in the second Test against England here, said he did not carry the baggage of the past. He also does not want to throw away the opportunity to cement his place in the side. "Getting dropped from Test was disappointing, it did hurt but I had nobody to blame but myself. I just waited for my opportunity, the way it came to me, I think it was meant to be. I just enjoyed my batting, getting a 100 at Lord's makes it more special," he said.