The former wicketkeeper-batter also pointed to the newfound freedom with which Rahul has been playing.

“From whatever I’m hearing, he’s worked with Abhishek Nayar before the IPL started. You can see he’s getting into some good positions and playing some nice shots. He always had the skill. You can see when he has given himself more freedom and the way he’s played, it’s been nice to watch. May not be from my perspective, though,” he added.

Rahul, too, credited his evolving preparation methods.

“I always try to adapt to different wickets (even in practice). It gives me a fair idea of the areas I can target — where I can take singles, where I can hit sixes. I don’t keep batting for hours and keep slogging. I do that sometimes, but that is when I am not getting into a flow and rhythm. It is more about how I can master playing (on a particular pitch), and that becomes second-nature,” said Rahul.

His game awareness was on display against Suyash Sharma, who has had an impressive season. Aware that Tristan Stubbs might struggle to pick Suyash’s leg-spin, Rahul took the responsibility of containing him. He faced 13 deliveries from the spinner and made just four runs — not out of defensive intent, but as a tactical move to nullify the most threatening bowler.

The opportunity to accelerate eventually arrived, and Rahul seized it.

But the most evocative moment came after he launched Yash Dayal for a six to seal the match. Rahul drew a circle on the ground and stamped his bat in its centre.

“This is my home ground, and I know it better than anyone else,” he said later.

That gesture, however, may have meant more, a symbolic moment marking his claim on the white-ball game. KL Rahul, finally, has found another home.