Rahul admitted that it took him 2-3 years to fully understand and adapt to the nuances of T20 cricket.He credited his time spent with Kohli and de Villiers at Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a significant learning experience.
“T20 gets over very quickly, you don’t get much time. So as I said, it took me 2-3 years to understand how I can bat in T20 and how I can be successful. Just being around really great players in the IPL helped me. Some of the names I can think of are AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli,” said the LSG opener.
Although he didn’t engage in extensive conversations with them, observing their preparation, mindset, and approach to the game proved immensely beneficial.
“I was with them in RCB. (Mein utna baat nahi karta tha) Maybe I didn’t talk to them much, but I used to see how they prepared, how they were playing their cricket, and what their mindset was. Sometimes I would go and talk to them, ask them questions. That really helped me,” the 32-year-old wicket-keeper added.
Additionally, Rahul highlighted the impact of his interactions with Kane Williamson during his stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad, admitting, “Kane Williamson is another guy. With Sunrisers, I spent a lot of time with him. And just by talking to people, I found my own way. Earlier, I used to feel nervous about the game, but I ended up getting my highest score.”
In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Rahul has been in scintillating form, amassing 378 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries and a highest score of 82.
SEE ALSO: IPL 2024 POINTS TABLE
His performances have not only been impressive with the bat but also behind the stumps, solidifying his credentials as a potential wicket-keeping option for India in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The captain of LSG, Rahul has led his team to five victories, proving his leadership qualities and determination to guide his side to the playoffs.
The right-hander’s next challenge lies ahead as LSG prepare to face Mumbai Indians in the 48th match of IPL 2024 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.