Indian star batsman KL Rahul has been enjoying a great time with the King XI Punjab (KXIP) in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The right-hander has been outstanding with willow and even played a vital role in the good run of the KXIP so far in the ongoing IPL 2018.
The 26-year-old has amassed 471 runs in 11 matches at an amazing strike rate of 156.47 and his scores indicated that he has been enjoying his “pressurizing” role in the KXIP line-up.
Recently, Rahul has revealed at the India TV’s show ‘Cricket Ki Baat’ that he is currently enjoying the responsibility given by the KXIP that he had not with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), as there was always major responsibility on Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
Following his comment, we can say that the lots of responsibility have motivated Rahul and increase the hunger to score runs, and possibly that’s the reason behind his success so far in the IPL 2018.
As per India Today, Rahul said, “With a new franchise, I have a lot of responsibility to shoulder. When I was in RCB, the major responsibility was on Kohli and AB. They were always at the centre of the batting force, for me it wasn’t that pressurizing. I enjoy my role here. The form has been favorable, and I believe, I continue to do well in the season ahead.”
In the first match of the KXIP against the Delhi Daredevils, the Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batsman make the history in the history of the IPL by hammering the fastest IPL fifty in just 14 balls.
Rahul said on his record-knock, “I had clarity in mind that all I need is to enjoy and play my best game. I am going through a good form and I am happy that the hunger is there this season.”
Commenting on his IPL 2018 preparation and injury, the opener revealed, “I had a little niggle in my shoulder before I came. I hadn't batted much this season. After Nidahas Trophy, I came to Chandigarh and just practiced a bit before the first match. I am in a good mind space and have a hunger to score runs. KXIP have shown so much of faith in me, so I have to deliver and win games for them. It's in my nature that when I go on the ground, I assess the situation and try to win the game for my team.”
On West Indian Chris Gayle, with whom he has shared great partnerships on the field so far, Rahul said, “He is a complete entertainer. He is a destructive batsman, so you enjoy when you play along with him. With his intimidating stats, he always remains to be one of the best T20 batsmen in the world.”
Meanwhile, he is labeled as Test specialist despite being the fastest batsman to have scored centuries in all three formats of the game in just 20 innings, and he is not happy with the tag.
Rahul signed off by saying, “It's not fair to brand a player for one single format. I strongly believe that the one who can perform well in Test can perform in other formats as well. There's no bar. As a sportsperson, you always want to improve and try to take your game to the next level. Shorter format is also challenging for a cricketer in India.”
