IND vs SA: KL Rahul reveals how he's rising above criticism and mastering the game

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Centurion, Dec 28: Senior India cricketer KL Rahul, in the wake of a splendid performance that drew accolades from legendary Sunil Gavaskar, displayed not just his cricketing prowess but also his composure when faced with criticism, sharing insights on handling trolls and the impact of social media on athletes.

Gavaskar - the legendary India batter and first cricketer to amass 10000 Test runs in the world - lauded Rahul's effort with the bat in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test against South Africa at Centurion.

"I've been watching cricket for the last 50 years, but I can surely say that this hundred by Rahul is in the Top 10 centuries scored by Indians in Test cricket," he said during commentary. IND vs SA: Sachin Tendulkar to KL Rahul - List of Indian batters with Boxing Day Test match hundreds

Rahul often finds himself in the firing line on social media whenever he fails to perform. When asked about his response to harsh criticism and trolls, Rahul responded with a composed demeanor, stating, "What will I achieve (by) doing that? Logon ko jo bolna hoga bolenge (People will say what they want to).

"If you are a public performer, performance is your only yardstick to stay away from criticism. And about social media, the farther you stay away from it, the happier you will be."

This response highlights Rahul's ability to rise above negativity and focus on his game. In the era of online scrutiny, Rahul's advice to distance oneself from social media stands as a testament to the mental fortitude required at the highest level of cricket.

Despite achieving a milestone that Sunil Gavaskar hailed as one of the 10 best hundreds ever hit by an Indian batter, Rahul remained humble, saying, "If he (Gavaskar) has said that, it's a huge compliment."

Rahul also acknowledged the positive impact of the time away from the game due to injury, emphasising personal growth. "When you play international cricket, you are not only challenged as a player but also as a person because you have a personality. So, when I was away from the game, I worked on myself as a person. Obviously, there were people to help me," he shared.

Addressing the influence of social media comments, Rahul acknowledged their impact but stressed the importance of knowing where to draw the line. "Anyone who says he isn't affected by comments on social media is lying. But the more you stay away, the better it is for your mindset," he wisely stated.

As the ongoing Test series against South Africa hangs in the balance, Rahul assessed the conditions at Centurion, pointing out the ever-changing nature of the wicket. "Centurion wicket never allows a batter to 'feel set,' and at times one can score freely, and at times one can't," he remarked.

Offering insights into his approach in the middle order, Rahul emphasized adaptability and staying present in the game. "The key to batting in the middle-order and playing long is not to plan too much. You can't plan that much. There's a game situation that tells you how to play in that time and moment. You have to remain free and empty," he explained.

The Karnataka cricketer's journey is not just about runs on the board but also about resilience, personal growth, and the ability to navigate the challenges that come with being a public figure in the digital age. As he continues to shine on the cricket field, his off-field wisdom adds depth to his evolving legacy.