KL Rahul came back with a match-winning performance in IPL 2025 debut after missing Delhi Capitals’ season opener to face Chennai Super Kings. Rahul achieved an important win for his team after assuming the opening spot from Faf du Plessis and scoring 77 runs from 51 balls. After the match he spoke to DC mentor Kevin Pietersen in an open discussion about his new enthusiasm toward white-ball cricket. He attributed his T20 success to knowledge acquired under a previous coach of Kolkata Knight Riders than the current Delhi Capitals coaching team.
KL Rahul’s T20 Transformation Draws Praise, Credits Abhishek Nayar For Game Evolution
Delhi’s coaching team praised KL Rahul for his unwavering determination and impactful performances in T20 cricket during the last two matches.
“Your intent in Vizag, you struck at 300, and I was happy with you. Today, striking at 150, still on a different wicket…you must be absolutely buzzing that you’re able to adapt your style to the modern-day game,” Pietersent said during a chat with Rahul in Chepauk.
National team assistant coach Abhishek Nayar played a critical role in developing KL Rahul’s T20 gameplay according to Rahul while the right-handed batsman fights to return to Indian T20 cricket. The championship victory of KKR during the IPL 2024 season along with the team guidance came under the leadership of Rishabh Nayar.
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KL Rahul Rediscovers Joy In Aggressive Batting, Credits Nayar For White-Ball Revival
“I’ve worked really hard on my white ball game in the last year or so. Big shout out 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’ve worked hours and hours together in Bombay, and I think somewhere I’ve found the fun in playing white ball cricket.
KL Rahul frequently faced criticism for his perceived lack of intent, whether playing for PBKS or LSG.
“I think somewhere along the way I lost the 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’ve realised that I need to go back,” Rahul said during the chat with Pietersen in a video shared by the IPL.
“I’m not thinking too much about the game. Not thinking about taking it deep or none of that stuff. Just see ball and try and be aggressive. Try and put the pressure on the bowler and the opposition and just enjoy hitting boundaries,” he added.
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