KL Rahul reflects on retirement plan (Source: @kptheswitch/x.com)
Over the years, Indian cricket has seen its own God, King, and Prince, but if it comes to a savior, KL Rahul is the ultimate one. Since the debut, the wicketkeeper faced more criticism than deserved praise but still stood up every time in the nation’s need.
But what will happen when Rahul hangs up his boots from the game of cricket? When Kevin Pietersen put that question to the Indian star, he made it clear he would call it a day rather than stretch his career unnecessarily.
Pietersen probes Rahul on the toughest call of his career
After KL Rahul made his debut in international cricket, Team India found a batter who could do everything. Across the formats, he has been the strongest warrior of India’s batting lineup. From a dependable No. 5 in ODIs to a battle-hardened Test opener, he has consistently stood tall as one of India’s most versatile batting warriors.
During an interview with Kevin Pietersen, the former England skipper, Pietersen asked about retirement, and KL Rahul didn’t shy away from that. Rahul admitted it wouldn’t be too hard for him, saying he’d rather bow out on a high note than stretch his career unnecessarily.
“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 said.
Cherish the memories and 'just quit'
Expanding on his thoughts, Rahul said it’s important to understand that no individual is bigger than the game, and cricket will always go on even after a player steps away. So, reflecting on the retirement decision, Rahul said that he believes in cherishing the memories he got from cricket and walking away when the time feels right.
“Just quit. Just enjoy the stuff that you’ve got, and you have your family, and just do that. That’s the hardest battle. So I try and tell myself that I’m not that important. Cricket in our country will carry on. Cricket in the world will carry on,” he said.
“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, it’s just like, you know, the way you look at life is completely different. So yeah, that’s what I am,” he added.
Rahul breaks silence on cricket’s hidden mental challenge
Throughout his career, injury has always played a spoilsport. Chances slipped away, form interrupted, and a question raised over his future. Rather than Rahul’s on-field struggle, the mental battle had a massive impact on his journey. Speaking to Kevin Pietersen, he reflected on the mental battle.
“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 that the physio puts you through, or the surgeon puts you through. 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. You’ve been lucky enough that cricket’s given you enough money. You can survive for the next how many ever years,” Rahul said.
In the recently ended ODI series against New Zealand, KL Rahul had a great outing. In three matches, he played three matches and scored 144 runs, along with a sublime hundred in the second ODI. With India’s next 50-over assignment ahead, the wicketkeeper-batter is set to feature in the upcoming Ranji Trophy match.
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