MS Dhoni’s calmness was ‘insane’, wanted to play some more cricket with him: KL Rahul

Stylish India batsman KL Rahul is currently in UAE and all set to lead the Kings XI Punjab team in IPL 2020. The whole of Punjab and his franchise owners will be hoping for the star wicketkeeper-batsman to put his hand on the coveted trophy on November 10 and be the first one from the team to do so in IPL’s 13 year history.

KL Rahul has earlier expressed his happiness on being appointed as the captain of the franchise and added that it’s the dream of every player to lead his team. KL Rahul had starred for Ravichandran Ashwin-led Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2019 and ended up scoring 593 runs, the second-highest by any batsman after David Warner, who amassed 692 runs. Ashwin has moved to Delhi Capitals for this season.

Recently, on being asked about the lessons he learnt from former India captain MS Dhoni while playing with him for the country, KL Rahul said that the calmness of the now retired cricketer was the trait he took inspiration from. Rahul added that he has learnt about passion from Virat Kohli and backing up one’s players from Rohit Sharma, the Indian team vice-captain and Mumbai Indians captain.

KL Rahul revealed that he was emotional like rest of the country after MS Dhoni’s retirement. He described MS Dhoni’s calmness by calling it “insane” and said that his presence was “valuable” for the dressing room. Rahul also admitted that he wanted to play some more international cricket with Dhoni.

“Yes, yes. Dhoni’s calmness and belief showed in backing players who had the potential to be match winners. Virat’s passion in the way he leads, the way he wants the boys to be better and better. Rohit always plays with a passion and backs players.

“Like the rest of the country I too was emotional, we all would have wanted to play some more cricket with him. As I said, his calmness was insane and valuable in the dressing room,” KL Rahul told The Indian Express.

The 28-year-old has recently donned the gloves for Indian in limited overs cricket despite Rishabh Pant being in the team. Asked if he expects more opportunities behind the stump in the absence of MS Dhoni, KL Rahul said he will do whatever the team needs him to do.

KL Rahul also hinted at taking the wicketkeeping duties at KXIP as “one gets a full 360-degree view from the spot”. However, he added that KXIP has many players, who can don the gloves.

I enjoyed whatever challenge was thrown at me for the last seven-eight months. Be it playing a different role or to bat at any position. Whatever the team needs me to do, I will do it.

Yes, I will love to do wicketkeeping. We have so many options of wicketkeeper-batsmen, if I feel I need more time or need to be on the field to manage. Standing behind the stumps is a good way to do it as one gets a full 360-degree view, it’s easy to know what is happening. It’s a good place to be.