NEW DELHI: Indian batsman KL Rahul has openly acknowledged that his international career has not yet lived up to the immense potential his batting talent promised. The 33-year-old cricketer from Karnataka, however, has discovered a remarkable resurgence in One Day Internationals, carving out a stable and impactful role in India's middle-order.
A New Lease of Life in ODI Cricket
Since 2023, Rahul has emerged as one of the world's most dependable No. 5 batters in 50-over cricket. During this period, he stands alone globally as the only player in that position to maintain an average exceeding 60 while also boasting a strike rate approaching 100. This statistical dominance highlights his transformation into a crucial pillar of India's ODI batting lineup.
The Contrasting Fortunes Across Formats
While Rahul appears to be reaching his peak in ODI cricket, his career in other formats presents a more complex picture. His T20 International career has remained on hold since 2022, and his Test batting average of 35.86 continues to fall short of reflecting his true capabilities with the red ball. This disparity between formats underscores the unpredictable nature of professional cricket careers.
Candid Reflections on Retirement
In a revealing conversation with former England captain Kevin Pietersen on YouTube, Rahul offered pragmatic insights about eventually stepping away from the game. "I don't think it's [retirement] gonna be that difficult. If you're honest with yourself, when it's time, it's time. And there's no point dragging it. Obviously, I'm some time away," he stated, demonstrating a mature perspective on life beyond cricket.
The Mental Toll of Repeated Injuries
Rahul delved into the psychological challenges posed by frequent injuries, which he described as often more difficult to overcome than physical pain. "There have been times when I'm injured and I've been injured so many times and that's the hardest battle that you have to face. It's not the pain... it's the mental battle where your mind just gives up. You know, when it happens so many times, your mind is just like, you've done enough," he confessed, highlighting the unseen struggles athletes endure.
Finding Balance and Perspective
The cricketer emphasized how maintaining equilibrium has helped him prepare for the inevitable conclusion of his international career. "Just quit. Just enjoy the stuff that you've got and you have your family and just do that. That's the hardest battle... Cricket in our country will carry on. Cricket in the world will carry on. There are more important things in life and I think this mindset I've always had, but ever since I've had my first baby... the way you look at life is completely different," Rahul explained, revealing how personal milestones have reshaped his outlook.
Return to Domestic Cricket
Following the completion of India's recent ODI commitments, Rahul is preparing to return to domestic action. He is scheduled to represent Karnataka in a crucial Ranji Trophy encounter against Punjab in Mohali, a must-win match that could significantly impact his state team's tournament prospects.
Rahul's journey represents a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptation, and introspection in modern cricket. His ability to reinvent himself in ODI cricket while grappling with format-specific challenges and contemplating life's larger questions offers a multifaceted portrait of a contemporary sports professional navigating the demands of elite competition.
