India batter KL Rahul admitted that he was never seen as a strong T20 player during the early years of his career, saying he is glad to have changed the perception around his white-ball game after years of criticism over his strike rate and approach in the shortest format.
The Delhi Capitals batter has been in strong form in the ongoing IPL season and produced one of the standout knocks of the tournament last month when he smashed an unbeaten 152 off 64 balls against Punjab Kings. Although the innings came in a losing cause, it once again highlighted Rahul’s ability in T20 cricket.
Rahul has not played a T20 International for India since 2022 but remains an important member of the ODI and Test teams.
Speaking on JioStar’s show ‘Superstars’, Rahul reflected on his journey in white-ball cricket and how difficult it was to break away from the image of being only a red-ball batter.
“Ten years ago, I would have given anything to be part of a T20 team. I was never rated as a T20 player or even considered a good white-ball player; I was branded a Test player,” Rahul said.
“So, to break out of that mould, develop my white-ball game and come this far is something I’m really proud of. Along the way, I’ve made mistakes and there are things I could have done better,” he added.
Rahul said despite the ups and downs in his career, he has always tried to give his best whenever he has represented his teams.
“But, what I’m proud of is that I’ve given my absolute best every time I’ve played and prepared as well as I could to give myself the best chance to succeed. That’s sport; things won’t always go your way,” Rahul said.
The 34-year-old added that he has learned to maintain perspective during difficult phases in his career.
“You have to take it in your stride and enjoy the journey…Whenever I feel low about what I haven’t achieved, I remind myself of what I have, and it gives me perspective,” he said.
“I still have some time left. So, I’ll keep trying my best and see how many trophies I can win.”
Rahul also spoke about fatherhood and said it has helped him become calmer both on and off the field. Rahul and actor wife Athiya Shetty welcomed a baby girl last year.
“Fatherhood has been the most beautiful thing for me. I always felt I had calmness and happiness in my life, but I was so wrong. You don’t truly know happiness, peace or joy until you hold your baby,” Rahul said.
“When I see her smile, when she gives me a hug and a kiss, everything is forgotten, all my injuries, pain and worries. That has helped my cricket as well over the last year.”
Rahul said fatherhood has also changed the way he approaches cricket and helped him stop overthinking.
“I don’t overthink the game anymore, which has made it exciting again. When I’m out there for those 4-5 hours, I’m completely switched on, and I just go out, enjoy the game and try to do my best,” he added.
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