'There was no shame...': KL Rahul opens up on India's dressing room dynamics after Galle triumph

KL Rahul has transitioned from the wide-eyed newcomer who made his Test debut during the 2014 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia into one of the most seasoned figures in the Indian dressing room. Now serving as a veteran presence under the leadership of 26-year-old captain Shubman Gill, Rahul’s role has naturally shifted toward mentoring the next generation of international stars as they begin their own journeys.

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KL Rahul breaks down Team India’s dressing room dynamics

Despite his senior status, Rahul maintains that experience should never hinder a player from learning from younger teammates. He views India's Test environment as a completely collaborative space free of rigid hierarchy, where open dialogue flows in both directions and every player is encouraged to seek input regardless of age or caps.

Following India's 165-run victory over Sri Lanka in the Galle Test, Rahul emphasised that supporting one another is a collective duty across the squad. Whether a cricketer is a seasoned veteran or a 26-year-old with 20 Tests under their belt, he believes every individual shares the responsibility of helping their teammates grow and succeed.

“I think it’s every player’s responsibility to help another player out whether you’re older or someone who’s just 26 but played 20 Tests," Rahul said after India's win over Sri Lanka.

'It’s always been an open dressing room'

Drawing from his own journey, Rahul recalled how established figures with 60 or 70 Test appearances never hesitated to exchange ideas with him when he was still early in his international career. He noted that the team culture has long been free of posturing and self-importance, ensuring that junior players feel comfortable approaching seasoned veterans and that established stars remain humble enough to learn from relative newcomers.

“Even when we had players who played 60-70 Test matches and I only played 20 or 30 Test matches there was no shame or egos in players to say I can’t learn something from you or to say he’s played so many Test matches so I can’t go and talk to him. So it’s always been an open dressing room and people are learning from each other," he added.

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That spirit of mutual growth endures even as the squad undergoes generational transitions. Rahul explained that senior members regularly seek fresh perspectives from recent additions who bring different tactical mindsets to the game. For instance, he frequently consults young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal to dissect the mechanics and mindset behind executing sweeps and reverse sweeps against quality bowling.

These collaborative exchanges form the backbone of day-to-day life inside the Indian camp. Squad members constantly debate the technicalities of surviving high-pace deliveries, negotiating late swing, or handling seam movement. By sharing distinct technical approaches to common challenges, players across all experience levels continuously refine their craft together.