KL Rahul wants to lead Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) from the front as he is set to embark on his first high-profile captaincy assignment during the 13th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), starting September 19 in UAE.
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Having played under the likes of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Rahul has a fair bit of idea how they operate and he intends to use the same approach.
"Of course. They have been the most inspiring cricketers and leaders in the last 10 years at least. Having the opportunity to play under them is great learning," Rahul said in a select media interaction when asked about the possibility of seeing shades of Kohli and Dhoni in his captaincy.
"Both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them are completely different individuals and lead the team differently. But their passion for the team is the same, they always want to win and push the team together.
"I also want use the same approach with my team and look to lead from the front. It should feel like a team, it should feel like family."
Rahul, who was named KXIP’s captain after the IPL 2020 auction last December, further added that he has picked up the tricks of leadership trade not just from his India skippers but also opposition captains.
"We are always constantly watching the game on the field, I always keep my eyes open to learning. You learn a lot watching the likes of Rohit (Mumbai Indians captain and India captain at 2018 Asia Cup).
"Guys like Kane Wiliamson. Hopefully, it (the learnings) is all stored in the back of my head (for me to use in the tournament)," he remarked.
During the high-pressure tournament, Rahul will be opening the batting and donning the keeping gloves apart from plotting the opposition's downfall as captain. It might seem too much workload but the 28-year-old is looking forward to the responsibility.
"I don't know if it is going play a part or hamper anything but I am quite looking forward to the responsibility, it is something I have always enjoyed. I am going in with an open mind and learn on the go.
"It is a huge bonus to have someone like Anil bhai (head coach) who comes with so much experience. He knows exactly what the players go through and the challenges involved," he said.
After Dhoni's retirement from international cricket, KL Rahul has also emerged as the first-choice wicketkeeper batsman in the Indian team. Does it put extra pressure on him provided that his skills behind the stumps will now be constantly compared with the legendary Dhoni?
"Does it make me conscious? Not so far at least. My focus is solely on the IPL and getting some cricket under me. It (Dhoni's place) is shoe or a place nobody can ever fill in Indian cricket.
"Whatever role is given to me, it is something I am grateful for. The challenge excites me. I am not really conscious about it, I am very clear about what my role is," he asserted.
(With PTI inputs)
