KL Rahul couldn’t do much in the opening game of the IPL season against Rajasthan Royals. He was dismissed cheaply by Dhawal Kulkarni. Meanwhile, the right hand batsman had a mind-blowing 2018, where he scored more than 600 runs in the cash rich league. Prior to Kings XI Punjab, he was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he was overshadowed by Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers.
After he missed the 2017 season due to a shoulder injury, RCB decided against retaining him in the next year. He was bought by Kings XI Punjab for a whopping Rs 11 crore.
Rahul has stated that he is more settled at Kings XI Punjab since he is no longer under the shadow of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.
“2018 was magical for me as far as IPL is concerned. With a really good and balanced team, this year also should be good. At RCB I was under the shadow of Virat and AB de Villiers and here I am the number one and that has helped.
“Chris Gayle is just an incredible entertainer. I told him at 37 he has rediscovered form. He said he is nearing 40! At 40 he can play like this is unreal. I am going to be far more disciplined this IPL with the World Cup in mind,” KL Rahul told India Today in an exclusive interview.
He is still not sure of his place in the World Cup squad. “Selection is not in my hands but I will do all to give myself the best chance. Last two months have been very tough for me,” said Rahul.