'The ideas and feedback from Virat, AB helped me improve my batting'

Lokesh Rahul has said the lessons he learnt from the likes of Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in Indian Premier League (IPL) team Royal Challengers Bangalore have made him a better cricketer and he would look to "express" himself in the Zimbabwe tour beginning Saturday.

"I spent time with Virat (Kohli) and A B (de Villiers) and asked them questions about what they thought I should do to improve my cricket and be successful in shortest format. 

"Their ideas and feedback did help me in improving my batting," he told reporters at the open media session before the Indian team's departure to Zimbabwe. 

The 24-year-old Rahul was one of the Indians who did well in the IPL this season. 

India are to play three ODIs and three T20 Internationals in Zimbabwe from June 11-22.  On wicket-keeping, Rahul admitted that he needs improvement and he would be looking to work with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni on this aspect. 

"About wicket-keeping, I have enjoyed whatever little bit I could do and contribute for RCB. I will have to work a little harder. I will get some time with MS Dhoni in Zimbabwe and my plan is to try to work with him on my wicket-keeping skills and see what feedback he has for me," Rahul said.

Rahul said he would to look to keep it simple and stick to basics in Zimbabwe. 

"I did not have time to prepare for this IPL because I was coming back from an injury. It's very important to keep things simple and stick to the basics. I will go out there and perform to my strengths, play cricketing shots. 

"Wherever we play, the batsmen have bigger responsibility in ODI and T20 formats, to set up big targets and give that cushion to bowlers. We have been in good form off late in the IPL and in the last couple of years in Ranji Trophy and first class cricket. We are looking out to express ourselves. We are looking out to go out there and have fun," he added. 

Asked about the Test season ahead, Rahul said, "Not going to worry about Test matches, this is my first ODI series with the Indian team, so I will focus on doing well there and figure out how I will be successful in Zimbabwe. 

"Once we go there, I don't know how the wickets are in Zimbabwe. It will be definitely challenging for the opening batsman and it's a responsibility that I have enjoyed to go out there and give a solid start to my team," said Rahul, who has played five Tests but still uncapped in ODIs.