KL Rahul Opens Up About His Future in the 2026 T20 Format
Senior Indian cricketer KL Rahul has voiced his ambition to rejoin India’s T20 squad as the country prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old, who last appeared in T20 internationals during the 2022 World Cup semifinal, believes that his recent hiatus from the format has allowed him to reevaluate his approach to white-ball cricket. In the recently concluded IPL 2025 season with Delhi Capitals, Rahul showcased his batting prowess, amassing 539 runs in 13 matches, despite the team failing to qualify for the playoffs.
KL Rahul’s Strong IPL 2025 Performance
In IPL 2025, KL Rahul delivered an impressive performance, scoring 539 runs across 13 matches, maintaining a strike rate of 149.72. This remarkable feat marks his fifth season with over 500 runs in the last six years, underlining his consistency as a batsman. Although Delhi Capitals did not make it to the playoffs, Rahul’s individual contributions stood out, reflecting his solid form and determination on the field. He expressed satisfaction with his recent performances, stating, “Yes, I want to get back in the T20 team and the World Cup is on my mind, but for now it’s just trying to enjoy how I’m playing right now.”
The senior batsman acknowledges the evolution of T20 cricket, noting that the game has become faster and more competitive. He emphasized the critical role of boundary-hitting in securing victories in modern matches. Rahul’s introspection during his break from T20 internationals has allowed him to focus on improving his game, preparing him for a potential return to the format.
Adapting to Modern T20 Cricket
Rahul has taken time to reflect on the changes in T20 cricket and how he can adapt his game accordingly. He remarked on the increasing emphasis on boundary-hitting, stating, “…the team that hits more boundaries is winning the games more often than the team that’s… not hitting as many boundaries.” His insights reveal a deep understanding of the current dynamics of the game and the need for players to evolve with it.
As he contemplates his future, Rahul is determined to catch up with the evolving demands of T20 cricket and aims to become an essential player for India in both T20 and ODI formats. He has maintained his spot in India’s ODI team and contributed significantly to the recent Champions Trophy victory with 140 runs in five matches. This versatility and willingness to adapt are key components of his cricketing philosophy.
Reflections on Team Performance and Future Goals
While reflecting on India’s recent struggles in Test cricket, Rahul noted the team’s challenges during their home series against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He pointed out that the team did not perform to its potential, especially in familiar conditions. He stated, “Last couple of Test series we should have batted better,” emphasizing the need for improved performance in crucial moments.
Rahul’s analysis of the team’s performance highlights the pressure faced during matches and the importance of capitalizing on scoring opportunities. He believes that better batting could have altered the outcomes of these series. As India prepares for the upcoming World Cup, Rahul’s experience and insights will be invaluable to the team’s strategy moving forward.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon and India set to co-host the tournament with Sri Lanka, KL Rahul’s determination to return to the T20 squad and his impressive IPL form may play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future success.
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