Last year was a forgettable one for the Indian opener, KL Rahul in terms of Test cricket, but he got back to his form in the T20I series against Australia as he managed scores of 50 and 47 in the two games at home. But a tougher challenge awaits him over the course of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

The next month and a half will be very crucial for the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) player and while all eyes will be on whether or not Rahul manages to earn a ticket on the bus to the T20 extravaganza, KXIP coach Mike Hesson reckons that Rahul should not get trapped by the idea that a good show in the IPL will get him a ticket to the World Cup.

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As per the quotes in IANS, Hesson said, “There is no player who doesn’t go through a tough phase and I think what is important is that how you respond to it and I think KL has been amazing and he has looked in very good touch in a couple of training we have had and he has trained hard. If you try and win games for your team (in the IPL), then good things will happen. So, rather than thinking of tomorrow, if you perform well today and do what your team requires of you, then good things (World Cup spot) will follow.”

While Rahul has struggled in recent times, the self-proclaimed, ‘Universe Boss’ Chris Gayle has been at the top of his game and scored two centuries and two fifties in the recently concluded ODI series against England. And the KXIp coach wants him to just go out and enjoy himself in this edition of the IPL as also guide the youngsters in the team. 

Describing the same, Hesson said, “It is important for him to enjoy himself. He is in good form, has been hitting the ball well. The key thing is to fit into the group and make a contribution to the team as a senior player. The responsibilities of a senior player is not only to pick wickets or score runs but also to help the youngsters in the team. Gayle is certainly pretty good in building relationships and helping the youngsters.”

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Asked to pick two Indian players who he would have loved to have in his team, Hesson feels that Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli and Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni were players any coach would want in his team.

Hesson elaborated, “Any coach would want to have either both or any one of them in the side. Their ability to adapt to a game situation is amazing. Virat is at the top of his game and he keeps pushing himself. He adjusts to formats brilliantly and he is world-class. Virat will be looking to do a job for RCB. MS Dhoni was just at his best with the bat in the last year’s IPL.”