What is common between a Formula 1 driver and a batsman? Obviously, nothing, except that the Formula One driver drives a car while a batter occasionally drives the ball. Yet, KL Rahul has found some utility in the training methods used by the F1 racers in preparation for the highly competitive sport that is popular worldwide. 

Mental drills and exercises

The star Indian batter, who got a classical century on Day Three of the Lord’s Test on Saturday, has incorporated mental training techniques used in F1 into his cricket preparation, particularly focusing on improving reaction time. Talking to the media after scoring his second century at the hallowed Lord’s, Rahul said that he had spent time with a specialist, who works with F1 drivers and other high-performance athletes, to implement drills involving mental exercises and to enhance his focus and decision-making under pressure.

Rahul said that he had travelled to Salzburg, Austria, the Red Bull team’s base for training, which involved mental drills and exercises that are regularly used in F1 to improve reaction time and mental agility. The experienced Indian batter said that this helped him improve performance and consistency.  
“I have seen this in Formula One quite a lot. I picked this up from one of the guys that I worked with in Salzburg. I had the opportunity to go there and work with some of the coaches. Working with the elite Formula One guys and other adventure sports people, who require a lot of this mental side of the game, has helped me a lot.”