Lokesh Rahul Slams Triple Century in Ranji, Says Virat Kohli my Inspiration

Even as his senior teammates were struggling in a must-win ODI game at Perth, Lokesh Rahul was busy pounding bowlers in a Ranji Trophy match between Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. In the process, on Friday, the young batsman became the first from Karnataka to score a triple century (337) in Ranji as well as first-class cricket. In an exclusive interview to NDTV, Rahul said Virat Kohli was his inspiration and spending time in the Indian dressing room has helped him evolve.

Rahul, who had made his Test debut in the recent series Down Under, showed just why he was picked to play against the big boys of international cricket. While the 22-year-old had constructed a determined 110 at Sydney, he was far more furious in the match against UP at Bangalore's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"The Test hundred in Australia gave me a lot of confidence. I look up to Kohli and see how he operates. I also like watching AB de Villiers bat," Rahul told NDTV

 Opening the innings, Rahul lost partner Ravikumar Samarth (18) early but it had little impact on his plans for the day. In the first two sessions of play, he hit a staggering 45 fours and three sixes to score 337 runs.

The support from teammate Shreyas Gopal (90) and Abrar Kazi (117 not out) too was crucial too as UP bowlers - led by Praveen Kumar who claimed four wickets - were left in tatters.

(With inputs from Maya Sharma)