Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has been making headlines in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) with marvellous performances for Delhi Capitals after missing the initial two games due to the birth of his child. Upon his return, KL Rahul wasted no time in making an impact, showcasing a new dimension to his game. KL Rahul scored 15 in his first game, and in his second match he plundered a whirlwind match-winning knock of 77 against Chennai Super Kings on Saturday. His new approach is being lauded a lot as it marks a massive shift in his game.
"I've worked really hard on my white-ball game the last year or so. Big shoutout to Abhishek Nayar. I’ve worked a lot with him ever since he's come into the Indian team. We've spent hours and hours together talking about my white-ball game and how I can be better. We worked hours and hours together in Bombay, and somewhere I have found the fun playing white-ball cricket." Rahul said in an interview with DC team mentor Kevin Pietersen after DC's win over CSK.
Rahul recently demonstrated his new approach at the Champions Trophy in Dubai, where he played a massive role in the team's title victory with his match-winning knocks in tense situations. His brilliant show at the global tournament was nothing short of impressive, scoring 41*, 23, 42*, and 34*
"I think somewhere along the way I lost that fun of hitting boundaries and hitting sixes. I wanted to take the game deep, deep, deep and that somehow stuck in my head. But now I have realised I need to go back… cricket's changed, and T20 cricket, especially, is only about hitting boundaries. The team that hits more boundaries and sixes ends up winning the game."
"So back to enjoying my cricket. I am not thinking too much about the game, not thinking about taking it deep or none of that stuff. Just see [the] ball and try and be aggressive and put the pressure on the bowler and the opposition and just enjoy hitting boundaries."