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Beating Chennai Super Kings at their own game on a back-to-back basis isn’t an easy task – in fact most teams wouldn’t even imagine such a scenario. But the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) have done it this week. LSG’s captain KL Rahul (KLR), who is a huge MS Dhoni fan, is making it work like magic. In the first match that LSG played against Chennai in Lucknow, it was KLR, who set the stage on fire with some lusty hits. And, as he continues to rule the roost with his all-round skills, KLR is gradually emerging as a great leader.
Thanks to Gautam Gambhir leaving LSG for KKR, otherwise, KLR wouldn’t have had the opportunity to decide things on his own like the way he is doing today for his franchise. So much so, that he could be seen leading India once again in different formats.
So, what’s special about KLR? He has already established himself as a very trustworthy batter in the middle-order in Tests and ODIs, and who knows, he could come up in a new avatar in T20. But what really makes Rahul an exceptional cricketer is the way he is — a down-to-earth next-door guy with simple tastes in life. He doesn’t like complications and has the knack of handling the rough times with a smooth approach. Those, who are in touch with KLR and other top cricketers in professional capacities, will tell you more about him and how he is in real life.
The often-asked question — who is the most well-behaved cricketer in India? The answer is undoubtedly KL Rahul. If you meet and greet the LSG captain, you will know why they still call cricket a gentleman’s game. Over the years, loads of cricketers have taken giant steps from domestic cricket to the highest level and we have heard stories how people change after getting money and fame. But KLR is a different kettle of fish. He is humble, soft-spoken, well behaved, generous, respectful and perhaps the only cricketer who hasn’t changed after tasting success.
Well, there were distractions like Karan Johar, who did damage his reputation, that saw him getting suspended by BCCI, but the current Indian coach Rahul Dravid came to his rescue, explaining the need to focus on the game, which has given him everything rather than getting carried away with all the glitter. Thereafter, KLR changed for good.
There was a time when KLR used to be considered as one of the most improved white ball players in the world in 2016. But batting in presence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, he wasn’t able to play to his potential around that time. Constant injuries too didn’t do any good to his chances of becoming a top ranked player in world cricket. KLR is one such player who was never in dire need to butter up seniors to find a place in the team. If that means playing a lesser number of matches for India, so be it.
KLR is perhaps the only player who hasn’t bargained for more when there was no place for him in the team. In the most dignified fashion, he waited for his turn – be it in the ODI or Test team. As his T20 comeback hangs in balance, there are a few, who are still backing KLR for the T20 World Cup, a few of his shortcomings, like playing maiden overs, have spoken against him. The good news for KLR is that the selectors haven’t ruled him out as yet because of his experience. And good deeds always pay well!
