KL Rahul has made peace with the fact that not everything will turn out as he planned, especially as far as his T20I career is concerned but he takes pride in having broken the mould that he’s just a red-ball specialist. Last month, Rahul scored 152 off 64 balls for Delhi Capitals and set a new record for the highest individual score by an Indian in the competition’s history.
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| Results | Orange Cap | Purple CapAlthough the innings came in a losing cause against Punjab Kings, it was a proof of his evolution in the shortest format.
Notably, Rahul has not featured in a T20 International for India since 2022, but continues to be a regular presence in Tests and ODIs.
“Ten years ago, I would have given anything to be part of a T20
team. I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player,” Rahul said on JioHotstar. “So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better.”
“But, what I’m proud of is that I’ve given my absolute best every time I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to give myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sport; things won’t always go your way,” he added.
Rahul has understood the importance of maintaining balance regardless of outcomes, noting that perspective has been key to navigating the highs and lows of his career.
“You have to take it in your stride and enjoy the journey…Whenever I feel low about what I haven’t achieved, I remind myself of what I have, and it gives me perspective. I still have some time left. So, I’ll keep trying my best and see how many trophies I can win,” he said.
How Fatherhood Changed KL Rahul
Rahul’s personal life has also brought a shift in outlook. He and his actor wife Athiya Shetty welcomed a baby girl last year, an experience he says has deeply influenced both his life and his cricket.
“Fatherhood has been the most beautiful thing for me. I always felt I had calmness and happiness in my life, but I was so wrong. You don’t truly know happiness, peace or joy until you hold your baby,” he said.
“When I see her smile, when she gives me a hug and a kiss, everything is forgotten, all my injuries, pain and worries. That has helped my cricket as well over the last year.
“I don’t over-think the game anymore, which has made it exciting again. When I’m out there for those 4-5 hours, I’m completely switched on, and I just go out, enjoy the game and try to do my best,” he added.
With PTI Inputs
