Delhi Capitals (DC) wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has credited Abhishek Nayar for helping him improve his performance in white-ball cricket over the past year. Rahul also admitted that he realised the need to adapt to the modern T20 style, where success heavily depends on striking more fours and sixes.
Back in 2023, Kevin Pietersen had criticised KL Rahul’s batting during the Powerplay overs, calling it one of the most boring things on commentary. Rahul’s cautious approach in T20s for Lucknow Super Giants drew widespread scrutiny. The batter has now showcased a more aggressive mindset in white-ball cricket.
I Was Happy With You – Kevin Pietersen Lauds KL Rahul’s Intent
Kevin Pietersen, now mentoring KL Rahul at Delhi Capitals, lauded the batter’s shift in approach and mentality. After DC’s recent match, Pietersen said that Rahul maintained a strike rate of 150 on a tougher pitch.
“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, ” Pietersen said.
I’ve Worked Really Hard on My White-Ball Game – KL Rahul
Rahul shared that he had spent countless hours working with Abhishek Nayar over the past year, especially to improve his T20 game. Rahul added that it helped him rediscover his enjoyment for white-ball cricket.
“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,” Rahul said.
“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,” he added.
I Am Not Thinking Too Much About the Game – KL Rahul
KL Rahul admitted that he had lost the joy of playing aggressively and focused too much on taking the game deep. Rahul emphasised that he’s stopped overthinking and is now focused on playing freely.
“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,” Rahul told Pietersen.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
KL Rahul has shown a clear shift in intent this IPL season. He began the season with a quickfire 15 off just five balls. The batter next scored 77 runs off 51 deliveries against Chennai Super Kings on a tacky Chepauk pitch.
