KL Rahul’s multitasking in the Indian cricket setup has been making headlines for decades, with right-handed batsman Rahul always interchanging roles on the basis of the team needs. His willingness to adjust once again came in the limelight during India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey when he played an important role within the middle order, leading India to a milestone title victory over New Zealand in the final match.
Looking back at his career, KL Rahul discussed how he developed as a batsman and how he instinctively moved towards the top order in his initial years but has now accepted the needs of the team. Even though he has performed well in different roles, he admits that flexibility is important in a team sport.
“I have grown up playing in the top order. From my first competitive match in Mangalore at the age of 11 to my early days playing for India and for most of my career, I have been a top-order batter. It is the position I am most comfortable in and the one that feels most natural to me,” KL Rahul shared in an exclusive interaction with JioHotstar.
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Still, he knows that individual tastes have to take a backseat while playing for a team. “That being said, when you play a team sport, you don’t always get to decide what you want. You need to be open and willing to do what the team needs you to do. I’ve learned over the years to accept that and do my best in whatever role I’m put in,” he added.
Team first, always! 💪@klrahul reveals the mindset behind adapting to different batting positions! 👌
📹 Watch the full episode of 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘀 ft. KL Rahul: https://t.co/DOTMddS2c5 #IPLonJioStar 👉 Tata IPL 2025 | Starts 22nd March, 6:30 PM | LIVE on JioHotstar &… pic.twitter.com/cL8vdrzkB0
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 13, 2025
Ever since he made his international debut in 2014, Rahul has had a rollercoaster career with challenges, comebacks, and turning points. He is thankful for all that has happened and is looking forward to the future.
” It has been a great ride—what an honor it is to be able to represent my nation and live my dream for so many years. To play for India is something I have dreamed of doing since childhood, and I feel very fortunate and blessed to have been given this chance. The ride has not been easy—there have been ups and downs, and I have lived through everything an athlete can,” he said.
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In spite of the fluctuations, KL Rahul would not do anything differently. “In hindsight, it has been a wonderful journey, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Now, I am looking forward to the next 10 years of my career. I want to leverage all that I have learned in my first 10 years, use that experience, and keep growing.”. My goal is to get better each day, develop as a player, and win more games for my team,” he summed up.
As he gears up for the next chapter of his career, Rahul’s mentality and flexibility will continue to be Indian cricket’s most valuable assets, making him an indispensable part of the team’s success.
