Chennai: Wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul, who led Delhi Capitals (DC) to a 25-run win by playing a brilliant innings of 77 runs (in 51 balls) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), made a big statement. He said that the hard work done with Indian team's assistant coach Abhishek Nair has made him enjoy white-ball cricket (ODI and T20) again.
Rahul opened in the absence of Faf du Plessis on the dry pitch of MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Initially, he scored 25 runs in 20 balls, then coming into rhythm, he scored 36 runs in the next 18 balls and a total of 77 runs in 51 balls. Rahul's innings included 6 fours and 3 sixes. He also scored freely on the balls of CSK's key bowler Noor Ahmed, due to which DC scored 183/6.
What did KL Rahul say about Abhishek Nair?
After the match, while talking to DC mentor Kevin Pietersen, Rahul said, 'I have worked very hard on white ball cricket in the last one year. Abhishek Nair has a big contribution in this. Since his arrival, I have talked with him for hours about white-ball cricket, how to become better, how to enjoy it to the fullest again.' He further said, 'We practiced together for hours in Mumbai and that's where I got the real pleasure of playing again.'
Rahul did not play the first match of IPL 2025
Rahul did not participate in DC's first match due to paternity leave. He has a baby girl. After returning, he played a quick innings of 15 runs in 5 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad and then performed brilliantly against CSK. Rahul said, 'In the middle of the match, it seemed that I left 15-20 runs behind. But the good thing was that the opposite team was also struggling as much as I was. As soon as I started batting again after the break, the very first ball hit the middle and after that the rhythm was formed.'
Rahul has recently performed brilliantly in the role of a finisher for India in the 2025 Champions Trophy, in which he scored 140 runs at a strike rate of 97.90 and remained not out three times.
Now I don't think much, just watch the ball and...
KL Rahul also told that now his approach towards the game has changed. Rahul said, 'Sometimes I used to think too much about 'prolonging the game' and lost the fun of hitting fours and sixes. But now I understand that cricket has changed, especially T20 and the team that hits more fours and sixes wins in it.' Rahul finally said, 'Now I don't think much, I just watch the ball and try to play aggressively. I put pressure on the bowler and the opposing team and enjoy cricket.'
