India’s upper order batsman Lokesh Rahul credited veteran cricketer Rahul Dravid after returning to form. KL Rahul, who was axed from Team India in the middle of the Australia tour for his ‘sexist’ remarks on women during a talk show, admitted that being away from the team had helped him get humbler and grow both on personal and professional fronts.

“Fortunately I got to play some India A game and some games where the pressure is a little less so that I can focus on my skill and my technique. I spent a lot of time with Rahul Dravid, working on my game and chatting about cricket. He helped me a lot in the games I played for India A,” KL Rahul said.

When asked if his ups and downs over the past couple of months impacted him, Rahul said, “It has humbled me a little bit. I obviously respect the opportunity I have got to play for the country. It is the dream of every kid and I am no different. Just to value where I am and keep making the opportunities count, put my head down and keep working on my cricket.”

On his return to International cricketer, Rahul smashed a brilliant fifty in the first T20I, which Men-in-Blue lost by three wickets, against Australia and helped Team India post 126 for the loss of three wickets.

On Wednesday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Rahul, who fell short of a deserved half-century, gave India a perfect platform to pile on a mammoth total smashing 47 off just 26 deliveries.

Batting first, India set a 191-run target for Australia to win the series and riding on a breathtaking century from Glenn Maxwell the visiting team chase it down with utmost ease.

KL Rahul also heaped praises on Maxwell for his brilliant batting. However, the Kings XI Punjab opener also said that it was difficult to bowl in the second innings owing to the wet outfield and dew.

“In the second innings, dew always has an effect. We have seen that in Chinnaswamy. But can’t take (away) credit from Maxwell. He played a very good innings. Our bowlers tried their best but with a wet ball, it was always hard,” Rahul said. “We all know what a strong player Maxwell is. He can play all around the park and it was a special knock from him. If he carries on the same way into the ODIs, we will have to figure a way to get him out.”