KL Rahul has admitted that his journey in T20 cricket hasn’t always followed a straight line, but he’s pleased that he has managed to shake off the label of being a Test-only batter. The India and Delhi Capitals top-order player points to his recent IPL impact as evidence of how far his white-ball game has come, while also speaking candidly about how fatherhood has altered his mindset and approach to the sport.
Key takeaways
- Rahul believes he has helped change the perception of him as a player suited mainly to Tests.
- Last month, he struck a 64-ball 152 not out in the IPL, even though it came in a defeat to Punjab Kings.
- He has not played a T20 for India since 2022, but continues to be a regular in both Tests and ODIs.
- On a show called Superstars, Rahul said he is proud of his progress over the past decade.
- He credits fatherhood with improving his emotional balance and refreshing his enjoyment of the game.
Rahul’s pushback against the “Test specialist” tag
Speaking on the JioStar show Superstars, Rahul said he understands that expectations can shape how players are viewed, and he acknowledged that he was once seen in a very specific light. Ten years ago, he said he would have given anything to earn a place in a T20 side, yet he was not regarded as a natural T20 performer and was even viewed as a “Test player.”
Rahul added that breaking out of that mould required developing his white-ball skills and continuing to work through the ups and downs. He said he has made mistakes along the way and there are areas he could have improved, but he feels a deep sense of pride in reaching this stage in the shortest format.
He also stressed that preparation and effort have been consistent priorities. Rahul said that whenever he has played, he has always given his best and prepared as well as he could to maximise his chances of succeeding, noting that sport rarely goes the way you plan.
Handling setbacks and staying “balanced”
Rahul said he tries to remain steady regardless of outcomes, describing it as something players must adopt to keep moving forward. He said it helps to take things in stride and enjoy the process, especially when form or results do not meet personal goals.
He explained that when he feels down about what he hasn’t achieved, he reminds himself of what he already has, which gives him perspective. Rahul also stated that he believes there is still time left in his career, and he intends to continue pushing hard to see how many trophies he can win.
Fatherhood’s impact on his cricket
Rahul also spoke about the personal change that has taken place in his life over the last year. He welcomed a baby girl with his actor wife Athiya Shetty, and he said fatherhood has affected him in a way that extends beyond family life and into cricket.
Rahul described fatherhood as “the most beautiful thing” and said he previously thought he already had calmness and happiness, only to realise he didn’t fully understand joy until he held his baby. He said seeing his daughter smile and receiving hugs and kisses has a direct effect on him, helping him forget injuries, pain, and worries.
He added that he no longer overthinks the game, which he believes has made cricket exciting again. Rahul said that during matches—when he is out there for a spell of four to five hours—he feels fully switched on, goes out to enjoy the contest, and focuses on doing his best.
