Both MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli lead from the front: KL Rahul hopes to emulate ‘inspiring’ duo in IPL 2020

KL Rahul is gearing up for the role of an Indian Premier League (IPL) captain as he was appointed as the skipper of Kings XI Punjab ahead of the upcoming season. The young wicketkeeper-batsman feels he has plenty of role models to look up to when it comes to understanding leadership.

Kings XI Punjab haven’t won an IPL title yet but with Anil Kumble taking over as head coach and Rahul at the helm, the buzz around the franchise is more than ever.

KL Rahul said he would want to emulate MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli when it comes to leading from the front and pushing the team towards their goals. Rahul also is keen on learning from opposition captains like Rohit Sharma and Kane Williamson who have achieved a lot of success at the international level as well as in the IPL.

“Of course. They have been the most inspiring cricketers and leaders in the last 10 years at least. Having the opportunity to play under them is a great learning. Both (Kohli and Dhoni) are completely different individuals and lead the team differently. But their passion for the team is the same, they always want to win and push the team together,” Rahul said, as quoted by the PTI.

“I also want use the same approach with my team and look to lead from the front. It should feel like a team, it should feel like family.”

Learn a lot watching the likes of Rohit and Williamson: Rahul

“We are always constantly watching the game on the field, I always keep my eyes open to learning. You learn a lot watching the likes of Rohit (Mumbai Indians captain and India captain at 2018 Asia Cup), guys like Kane Williamson. Hopefully, it (the learnings) is all stored in the back of my head (for me to use in the tournament),” Rahul said.

‘MS Dhoni’s shoes hard to fill’

Meanwhile, KL Rahul said he is focussing only on the IPL at the moment and his elevation to first-choice wicketkeeper-role, especially in T20Is is not in mind. Rahul said MS Dhoni’s place in Indian cricket is hard to fill but he will do his best whatever role he is given by the Indian team management.

“Does it make me conscious? Not so far at least. My focus is solely on the IPL and getting some cricket under me. It (Dhoni’s place) is shoe or a place nobody can ever fill in Indian cricket.

“Whatever role is given to me, it is something I am grateful for. The challenge excites me. I am not really conscious about it, I am very clear about what my role is,” Rahul said.