Home
Delhi Capitals' star opener KL Rahul has emphasised that personal achievements hold little weight compared to team success. Despite his steady climb up the league's all-time run-scoring charts, Rahul made it clear that his primary ambition is to match MS Dhoni’s legendary record of five IPL titles, valuing championship trophies over individual statistics.
Would love to match with MS Dhoni is his five IPL trophies: KL Rahul
The star batsman recently surpassed Dhoni on the list of the league's highest run-getters, but he was quick to downplay the significance of the milestone. Reaffirming his team-first philosophy, Rahul noted that while scoring runs is his job, the ultimate goal remains leading his side to the kind of silverware that has defined Dhoni’s storied career.
"I didn’t even realise I had gone past Mahi bhai on the IPL’s all-time run-scorers list. Honestly, the milestone I would love to match with MS Dhoni is his five IPL trophies that he’s won with CSK. Cricket is a team sport. You want to win trophies. You want to be part of successful sides. That has always been my goal," Rahul said on JioStar.
The elegant right-hander spoke candidly about his exceptional track record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium when facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He credited his consistent success at the venue to a deep-seated emotional bond, noting that playing at his home ground provides a unique sense of motivation and comfort.
He further explained that the familiar atmosphere and the connection he shares with the local fans play a significant role in his performances. For him, returning to the Chinnaswamy is more than just a professional fixture; it is a homecoming that brings out his best cricket.
"I've thought about whether there's a switch I use against RCB, but I haven't found an answer. Chinnaswamy is very special to me. I grew up there, and something just clicks when I play at that venue. So, a psychological switch happens when I go there. It's not just against RCB. I've done well in international games there too. Some stadiums just give you a good vibe and make you feel you'll do well," he added.
They don't fear Bumrah or Cummins: Rahul on India's rising stars
Rahul also took a moment to praise the fearless brand of cricket being played by India's rising stars. He highlighted how this new generation of batters is fundamentally shifting the T20 landscape, bringing a level of confidence and aggression that was rarely seen in previous eras. According to Rahul, these youngsters are effectively redefining the standards of the modern game. Their ability to take risks and maintain an attacking mindset from the very first ball is, in his view, a testament to the evolving nature of Indian cricket and the high-pressure environments in which these players are now groomed.
"They don't fear reputations - whether it's someone like Jasprit Bumrah or Pat Cummins. They just see the ball and want to hit it out of the park. That's the mindset modern T20 cricket demands. It's phenomenal what the new-age cricketers are doing. Vaibhav Suryavanshi has taken world cricket by storm. Two centuries at the age of 15 is something I never even dreamt of doing. Ayush Mhatre has also done well, helping CSK score quick runs. The amount of talent coming up in India is scary, especially in T20 cricket. These fearless prodigies are changing the way T20s are played," he signed off.
ADVERTISEMENT
