Ton-up Rahul credits Fletcher, Shastri for turnaround

After scoring his maiden Test hundred on the third day of the fourth Test here Thursday, Indian batsman Lokesh Rahul credited coach Duncan Fletcher and team director Ravi Shastri for providing him support.

Right-hander Rahul made a disastrous debut in the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), scoring just 3 and 1 in the first two innings. But, he impressed one and all with a determined knock at the Sydney Cricket Ground Thursday.

"Duncan Fletcher and Ravi Shastri have been very supportive and have been talking to me a lot. After MCG, they told me to spend a bit more time in middle and that everything will seem easier then," Rahul was quoted as saying by bcci.tv.

"They consoled me, saying that international debut can be tough and that I should not feel down, just look up and focus on challenges coming ahead."

The 22-year-old added there was immense pressure on him and that he felt relieved after the knock.

"I came out here thinking that this is my first game. There was a lot of mental pressure. I am more relieved than proud right now."

Rahul stated that he was impressed with the atmosphere in the dressing room and there was a lot to learn about after his leap into the senior team.

"It's been very challenging and there is a lot to learn when you come into the senior team. My teammates have helped me throughout and have showed a lot of faith in me. I couldn't have asked for a better team and a better atmosphere," the Karnataka player said.

The prolific scorer in domestic cricket also believed opening the innings gave him more time to settle his nerves.

"Batting up the order gave me a little more time for myself. It was a very conscious effort to spend some time and get those early nerves off," added Rahul.