KL Rahul Aims for T20I Comeback After Impressive IPL Season
KL Rahul's Aspirations for T20 World Cup
After a successful season in the Indian Premier League (IPL), KL Rahul, the wicketkeeper-batter for Delhi Capitals (DC), expressed his desire to return to the Indian T20I squad, with the upcoming T20 World Cup on his radar.
In his final IPL match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), KL scored 35 runs off 21 balls, concluding the season with a total of 539 runs across 13 innings, averaging 53.90 and boasting a strike rate of 149.72, which included one century and three half-centuries. He ranked as the seventh-highest run-scorer of the season and was the leading run-scorer for DC.
Consistent Performance Over the Years
KL Rahul has consistently performed well, surpassing the 500-run mark in seven out of twelve IPL seasons and achieving over 600 runs in four of those seasons. His overall tally stands at 5,222 runs in 145 matches, featuring five centuries and 40 fifties. Notably, he is the only player to score centuries for three different IPL franchises: Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants, and Delhi Capitals. He also clinched the Orange Cap in the 2020 season with 670 runs in 14 matches, including a century and five fifties.
Concerns Over T20I Strike Rate
KL Rahul's strike rate has often been a topic of discussion. His last T20I appearance for India was during the 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal against England, where India faced a 10-wicket defeat. During the tournament, he managed to score 128 runs with two fifties in six innings, but his strike rate of 120.75 drew criticism, especially for his tendency to play out maiden overs.
Focus on T20I Comeback
Post-semifinal, the Indian team shifted its focus from veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, opting for younger, aggressive players such as Tilak Varma, Shubman Gill, and Sanju Samson. In a recent interview, Rahul stated, "I want to return to the T20I team, and the World Cup is on my mind, but for now, I’m just enjoying my current form."
His strike rate of 149.72 this IPL season marks a significant improvement compared to the previous five seasons, which were 136.12, 113.22, 135.38, 138.80, and 129.34. His highest strike rate was recorded in the 2018 season, where he scored 659 runs at a strike rate of 158.41.
Reflections on White-Ball Cricket
KL Rahul reflected on his white-ball game, acknowledging the need to adapt to the evolving nature of the sport. He noted, "The game is changing and becoming faster; teams that hit more boundaries are winning more often." He previously faced backlash for his comment that 'strike rate is overrated,' and even received criticism from former cricketer Kevin Pietersen, who likened watching him play to 'watching paint dry.'
Insights on Missing the T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
Notably, KL Rahul was excluded from India's T20 World Cup-winning squad in 2024. He mentioned that this absence allowed him to reassess his T20 game and identify areas for improvement to secure his place back in the national team.
"I spent time reflecting on my game, aided by coaches like Abhishek Nayar, who helped me rethink my approach and enhance my skills," he added.
KL Rahul on Pietersen's Social Media Comments
Regarding Pietersen's remarks on social media, KL Rahul remarked, "It's good to have a bit of banter." He explained that he used to pay attention to such comments but has learned to view them as constructive criticism rather than personal attacks. "If a commentator or fellow cricketer shares their opinion, it's based on what they see, and I try not to take it personally," he concluded.