KL Rahul opens up on his criticism after smashing century against South Africa

After smashing a special century against South Africa in Centurion Indias wicketkeeperbatsman KL Rahul opened up on his social media critics and outside commentsWhen other Indian batsmen were struggling to perform against the Proteas bowlers KL stood strong and built up his innings by smashing 101 runs in 137 deliveries He was highly praised for his efforts to bat in difficult conditionsAlso Read Sunil Gavaskar A valiant Indian batsman of his timeVirat Kohlis knock of 38 runs was the secondbest for Team India South Africas former skipper Dean Elgar who is all set to pull curtains to his international career smashed unbeaten 140 runsSpeaking after play on day two KL answered the questions regarding the critics He targeted the general public who often hit on him for his lack of formAs a person as a cricketer as an individual you are challenged each day each moment Social media is a pressure said KL as quoted by ICCToday I have scored a hundred so people are singing praises Three or four months ago everybody was abusing me It is part of the game but I cannot say it does not affect you It does he saidThe sooner you realise that staying away from it is good for your game and your mindset the better it is he concluded his pointRahul moved things along for the tourists striking at 7372 as the team travelled at 362 runs per over a counter to the trying conditions and the rain that hovered throughout the two opening daysRahul admits it was a good time to apply things he has worked on in the background during spells away from the middle particularly when injured for the middle part of 2023Each person has to find their way and for me when I was injured and was away from the game for such a long time I worked on myself said KLAlso Read IND vs SA 1st Test After KLs special ton Elgar replies with ferocious hundredI tried to go back to the person that I am and worked on how I do not change myself by getting affected by these things It is difficult to remain true to yourself and true to your personality with so much happening It is the hardest thingYou have your personality personality traits characteristics When you play international cricket they all get challenged It does affect each person And anyone who says that does not affect them at all I am sure is lyingYou can perform or you can be in a better mindset if you slightly know where to draw the line Nobody is that great that they can completely avoid what has been said and the criticism they are getting he concludedSouth Africa resumed on day three 11 runs ahead with five wickets in hand with Elgar joined by allrounder Marco Jansen 3 at the other endSouth African skipper Temba Bavuma is yet to bat and is doubtful after sustaining a hamstring injury on fieldDean Elgar was made the standin captain and made a partnership of 93 runs with contribution of Tony de Zorzis 28 runs against worldclass bowling attackThat partnership with myself and Tony was pretty important The ball was going around Bumrah was swinging it both ways and Tony did bloody well to get through it said ElgarI want to go out with a bang and try and win a Test match and the series I do not have anything to lose Whether I fail or not it is still coming to an endOn the other hand Indias wicketkeeperbatsman feels Elgars farewell test series first match can be spoiled if Indias bowlers bowl in their linesWe are not going to think too far ahead Focus on the first session tomorrow said KLI think it is important to come and bowl in the right areas We saw there is still a bit of help in the wicket Try and get them out as soon as possible and then we put some runs on boardWe just focus on the first session and take it from there and we will have to see how the wicket plays as well It is getting easier to bat on so it is important firstly to get those five wickets that are left and then put the big runs on board and then see where the game is he concludedWith ANI Inputs