KL Rahul will lead Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for the first time after having two outstanding seasons while opening the batting for the Punjab-based side. In his first notable captaincy assignment, he is looking to lead from the front and follow the examples of leadership skills that he has collected while observing the likes of Indian captains; MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
KL Rahul has been handed the reigns of Kings XI Punjab captaincy after having two stellar seasons with the bat at the top of the order. The right-handed wicketkeeper-batsman has played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2013 and 2016, Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2014 and 2015 before turning out for Kings XI Punjab since 2018. He missed IPL 2017 with a shoulder injury.
KL Rahul Says He Want To Use The Same Approach Of MS Dhoni And Virat Kohli
KL Rahul, who scored his maiden century in IPL in 2019 after scoring 90 plus thrice in 2018. He scored 100 not out from 64 against Mumbai Indians. He will captain KXIP in 2020 after former captain Ravichandran Ashwin was traded to Delhi Capitals.
“Of course. They have been the most inspiring cricketers and leaders in the last 10 years at least. Having the opportunity to play under them is great learning,” Rahul said in a select media interaction when asked about the possibility of seeing shades of Kohli and Dhoni in his captaincy.
“Both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them are completely different individuals and lead the team differently. I also want to use the same approach with my team and look to lead from the front.”
Speaking from Dubai, KL Rahul said he has picked up the qualities and responsibilities of the leadership trait not just from his Indian skippers but also from opposition captains.
“You learn a lot watching the likes of Rohit (Mumbai Indians captain and India captain at 2018 Asia Cup). Guys like Kane Wiliamson. Hopefully, it (the learnings) is all stored in the back of my head (for me to use in the tournament),” said the stylish opener.
Rohit Sharma leads Mumbai Indians since 2013 while Kane Williamson assumed the captaincy of New Zealand in 2016 after the retirement of Brendon McCullum.
KL Rahul Excited And Is Focused On IPL
KL Rahul will be opening the batting and also keep wickets besides assuming captaincy. KL Rahul is excited about the tough challenge as he will have to balance between the three roles simultaneously.
“I don’t know if it is going to play a part or hamper anything but I am quite looking forward to the responsibility, it is something I have always enjoyed. It is a huge bonus to have someone like Anil bhai (head coach) who comes with so much experience. He knows exactly what the players go through and the challenges involved,” he said.
Following MS Dhoni’s international retirement on Independence Day, he has also emerged as the first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian team.
“My focus is solely on the IPL and getting some cricket under me. It (Dhoni’s place) is a shoe or a place nobody can ever fill in Indian cricket.The challenge excites me. I am not really conscious about it, I am very clear about what my role is,” asserted Rahul.
The KXIP squad has resumed training for few weeks after the coronavirus imposed break and their skipper said it is normal for players to feel uneasy after a five-month break from cricket and staying indoors.
“Luckily, we have enough training time to try and get our touch and feel back,” he said.
The pitches across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are expected to assist spinners and all teams are preparing accordingly.
“It is important that the set batsman carries on till the 20th over (in such conditions),” Rahul signed off.
IPL 2020 will commence from September 19 and conclude on November 10.