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Virat has helped me with my preparation, mindset, and he has given me a lot of confidence: Rahul
Indian cricket's latest batting sensation KL Rahul feels that the younger crop of cricketers are lucky that they don't have to look too far for inspiration with Test captain Virat Kohli being there.
"He (Kohli) is such an inspiration. We feel lucky that we don't have to look too far. The guy who inspires you is sitting right next to you in the dressing room.
"The level of commitment that he has shown, the discipline and work ethic, the way he has been so disciplined with his fitness, nutrition and diet that is something that has inspired all of us," Rahul told 'ESPN Cricinfo'.
"Discipline" he feels has been a key component for the current national team.
"If you come into the dressing room now you can see how all the boys are so disciplined. He's helped me in shaping my career. When I came into Test cricket, I was good but not as good as I am now. Virat has helped me with my preparation, mindset, and he has given me a lot of confidence."
One of the three Indians (others being Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma) to score hundreds in all international formats, Rahul said that he enjoys all forms.
"I can't talk for anybody else, things like this don't really affect me. Like I said, I like playing all three formats - they all challenge you differently and I am someone who enjoys the challenges.
"Having to play Test matches for a month and then switch to T20s in five days is not easy, but that's the kind of challenge I love to face. I respect Test cricket a lot. Once I got into the Test team I learnt so much about international cricket and realised it's not so different.
"If you keep it simple and play cricketing shots you can be successful. Luckily for me, the IPL helped this year. I realised I could play all three formats, and I feel a lot more confident now," Rahul added.
About the upcoming 13 Test matches at home, Rahul said: "I have been very consistent in domestic cricket and I hope I can continue with the same form in international cricket as well. I look to keep things simple irrespective of the format.
"I look to play my shots. I will play proper cricketing shots, but if the ball is there to be hit, I will hit it. That is something that won't change with any format."