Disappointed with some of his performances during the ongoing Indian Premier League season, Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman K L Rahul said he will learn from his mistakes and try to improve in the future matches.
"Disappointing that I had starts but have not been able to convert those starts into bigger performances. There were very good opportunities for me to win matches for my side and it's disappointing that I could not win the game for the team," Rahul said.
"It's good learning and I am only hoping that I use this experience of not doing well and work on my game and get better. When the same opportunity comes, I may be better skilled and be in better frame of mind to win the game for the team," he said.
Rahul's unbeaten 44 in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 13 was his best during the IPL but since then he has not lived up to expectations.
The youngster believes that Sunrisers were unlucky to lose a few close games.
"We played really good cricket in the last seven games. It is very unfortunate that in a few games, the results did not go our way. I think we have been executing our plans really well. We have done well in all the games," he said.
Rahul said he is targetting a berth in the Indian ODI and T20 sides though he does not want to be undue pressure in the process.
"I am just looking to enjoy this tournament, enjoy one game, not worry about the future. I know it will happen if I keep working hard and if I keep putting in consistent performances, it will happen. So, I am just looking to enjoy each day and I just want to keep training harder and keep putting in consistent performances, those are the things I am looking to," he said.
The 23-year-old Karnataka batsman, who had played a key role in his side winning the Ranji Trophy in 2013-14 with his centuries, said his career has been a "bumpy ride so far" but he has only grown stronger with experience.
"It's been a bumpy ride so far. I am still young. But, still I had my share of success and downfall. It's all part of learning curve. It's all part of an athlete's career. I enjoyed every bit of it. I have grown much stronger in the last two-three years as a person and as a cricketer. I am just looking to learn every day and enjoy myself and keep getting better as a cricketer and as a team man," Rahul said.
He, however, said he has benefited from the advice of Mahendra Singh Dhoni when they played together during the Test series in Australia.
"Of course, I played with him (Dhoni). Unfortunate that I could only play one Test match with him. He retired. But that's how he is. Whatever little time we could spend in Australia, we did and he gave me lot of advice and lot of inputs," he said.
Observing that international cricket has become competitive nowadays, Rahul said he needs to improve himself continuously for survival.
"The game is very fast nowadays. There are three different formats and the game has become very competitive and you have to keep improving as a player. With the videos and all those things that big players and opposition always trying to find out your weaknesses and target you there. So, you cannot leave any stone unturned," he said.
