Rahul has delivered strong performances for DC in the ongoing IPL.
The IPL 2025 marked a fresh start for Rahul as he linked up with Delhi Capitals (DC). He was signed for INR 14 crore at the mega-auction last November, following his release from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Speaking to Star Sports, Suniel admitted that he loved Rahul’s 'my ground' celebration, which went viral after his match-winning knock against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) earlier this month.
Suniel also revealed that he personally called Rahul to express how much he enjoyed the moment in Bengaluru.
"I loved it. Even when I see it now, I get goosebumps. Every cricketer should have a moment like that. He believes, 'I can do it, and I have done it'. You know, that was one of the first times I called him and said how much I loved it," Suniel Shetty said.
"I think that came after the World Cup and the World Test Championship (Champions Trophy) - he showed that he can finish, and he believes in himself," he added.
KL Rahul has delivered strong performances for DC in the ongoing IPL. The wicketkeeper-batter has excelled in both top and middle-order roles, amassing 371 runs in nine games at a strike rate of 146.06 and an average of 53, including three half-centuries.
Rahul also played a key role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph earlier this year in Dubai, where he played some crucial knocks, including a top score of 42* against Australia in the semi-final.
Suniel Shetty further explained how Rahul has adapted his game, noting the difficulty modern-day batters face in balancing orthodox technique with the aggressive demands of T20 cricket.
"Yes, it's definitely happened. In the past, he used to do a lot of net sessions, a lot of functional training. I think he's realised that he wants to enjoy the sport now. People often say a cricketer is playing too slowly, or they accuse him of trying to play too fast and being irresponsible. It's not just KL Rahul - many cricketers I've seen are trying to strike that balance. There's pressure from social media and from elsewhere too. I feel these youngsters often get stuck in between."
"But this time, he believes he needs to express himself. And he probably feels there's more joy in hitting sixes and boundaries than in just playing steady cricket. That's the change I see," Shetty remarked.
He mentioned Rahul's technical foundation, crediting it as the main factor behind his versatility and risk-taking ability.
"He can take risks when needed and survive technically when the situation demands it. I think the change you see in him is because he knows he is technically brilliant. According to me - not because he is my son-in-law - he is one of the finest technicians in Indian cricket, maybe even in world cricket," Shetty stated.