"Going ahead in the series, we'll obviously use him a lot more" - KL Rahul on Ravindra Jadeja
India opener KL Rahul was adjudged man of the match for his classy century as India clinched a memorable 151-run victory on the final day of the second Test against England at Lord's to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
KL Rahul notched up a sumptuous 129-run knock in the first innings, combining graft with craft, to etch his name on the Lord's honors boards.
With India sticking with their template of four seamers, Ravindra Jadeja was used as a part-time fifth bowler. In the post-match press conference, Rahul shed some light on that plan and added that the left-arm spinner will have a bigger role to play as the series moves forward.
"We would have used Jaddu a lot more if the wickets weren't following or if the fast bowlers weren't able to do the job but the fast bowlers managed to get wickets. Ishant bowled so we didn't need to use Jadeja's service as much in this game. Obviously, going ahead in the series, we'll obviously use him a lot more and if there's any spin in the wicket, he will make sure that he picks wickets for us," Rahul said.
"Their discipline is what has given us the results" - KL Rahul on India's bowling attack
India's feisty seam bowling attack has stepped up to the plate in recent times, and might be considered the country's best ever. From bouncy conditions in Australia to seaming conditions in England, they've shown the skill and ability to thrive in any situation.
Upon being asked how the Indian pacers go about their business and if there are any inputs from the players, Rahul said:
"Obviously there will be inputs from everyone to the bowlers. Like I said, we're a pack and we want to win every game. So as batters and as a team, when we're in the middle, everyone has inputs but we trust our bowlers to come up with the best plan. Once we plan as a team that this is what we're going to do, the bowling unit comes and does what is exactly required of them as to what's been discussed. So their discipline is what has given us the results so we try to stick to doing the same thing."
Rahul believes that the Indian bowling attack has been world class for the last few years. He hailed their ability to work in partnerships, pointing out that it's something that has helped the team a lot.
"The fast bowling pack have played together for a while now. Ishant, Shami, Bumrah, they've been world class in the last few years and Siraj's come into that very nicely as well. They're always talking about what they can do and work in partnerships, which has helped our team a lot," Rahul added.