Services batsman Rahul Singh hopes for IPL contract post successful SMAT 2021

“I kept myself calm and focused on my game which helped me during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy because initially I was under bit of a pressure that I wasn’t scoring runs in the shorter format,” says Services batsman Rahul Singh who scored 244 runs in five matches in SMAT. In an exclusive interaction with OneCricket, Singh talks about his SMAT performance, IPL selections and COVID-19. 

Talk to us about your SMAT performance.

I had a good run in SMAT and want to continue that in Vijaya Hazare Trophy. I’m happy that I have been among runs in the T20 format too. I was scoring runs in days cricket and one day format and have now scored some runs in shorter format too.

Are you expecting to get selected for IPL this time?

The franchise do keep an eye on you if you scoring runs in domestic cricket especially in T20 format. So, I have scored runs and hope some franchise acknowledges that. But at the end of the day it is a process, it’s good if I get selected but if I’m not, it won’t affect me and I would rather concentrate on my own game. 

Though, I have given trails for Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royals. 

What do you think about holding Vijay Hazare trophy and not Ranji?

Well, Ranji Trophy is not having because there is not much time so holding a full-fledged Vijaya Hazare is surely a better option.

How did you keep fit during COVID-19?

We did a lot of home workout during the COVID-19. But to be honest, we have realised that home workouts are not enough. We all are putting in more effort now to compensate on the time we lost during the pandemic. 

Do you get disappointed when you get unnoticed for India call-up?

Yes, there is a bit of disappointment but that is because I feel that I didn’t perform to an extent that I get noticed. So I try to focus on doing better. For example, I was focusing on T20s this time because I was not able to perform that well in this format. 

What changes did you make to play the shorter format?

The technique wasn’t a problem though but certainly my mindset was. So I had a chat with my father and he suggested me to stay calm. This did work for me and I started scoring runs with a better strike-rate as compared to earlier seasons. My natural game is attacking so I just went with instincts. Moreover, I practiced more and played more balls in the nets. I had a gut feeling that if I play my natural game and not get under pressure, I would be able to score runs and it did happen. 

Tell us about your routine.

In the morning we have out fitness session while we go for our nets in the day time. I go for practice on my own in the break time that we get in the middle. 

What went wrong in the SMAT 2021?

Actually, we lost a lot of time due to COVID-19 outburst. We were not able to get that span for practice and subsequently we didn’t get the momentum. We did try to give our best but certainly that wasn’t enough. 

Would there be any team changes?

Actually, we have a respective combination for all the tournaments so there would be a little bit of tweak in the squad not much.

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