IPL 2025: Pujara Commends Rahul for Embracing His Game Post-LSG
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Synopsis
In IPL 2025, Cheteshwar Pujara praises KL Rahul for overcoming past challenges with LSG and enjoying his game with Delhi Capitals. Rahul's recent match-winning form emphasizes his growth as a player.
Key Takeaways
- KL Rahul is focusing on his current form with Delhi Capitals.
- Pujara highlights the importance of moving on from past performance issues.
- Rahul has scored 323 runs in IPL 2025 so far.
- Nick Knight suggests freedom in play is benefiting Rahul.
- Leadership roles can impact performance in cricket.
New Delhi, April 23 (NationPress) Veteran Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has praised KL Rahul for effectively moving past his challenges with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and focusing on enjoying his current form with the Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025.
On Tuesday, Rahul delivered a match-winning performance, scoring an impressive 57 not out off just 42 balls, packed with aggressive shots that led DC to chase down 160 runs in 17.5 overs, elevating their points total to 12 this season. After missing the initial match against LSG due to the birth of his daughter, Rahul has since accumulated 323 runs over seven innings, making him the leading run-scorer for DC in the tournament.
"It’s essential to move forward and not carry any past burdens, which is a commendable attitude. KL is an experienced player. Over the past couple of years, he has been performing admirably across formats. He prefers to avoid dwelling on past mistakes while playing for LSG and instead focuses on relishing his batting and maintaining his rhythm," Pujara told ESPNCricinfo.
Former England opener Nick Knight suggested that Rahul's success in IPL 2025 could be attributed to the absence of leadership responsibilities, which he had while at LSG.
"Captaincy can influence performance in unpredictable ways; sometimes it benefits you, while at other times it becomes a burden. The impact of not being captain now may allow him to play more freely and adapt to the match situation," Knight stated.
"There's a prevailing notion in cricket that the best player should also be the captain. However, that's not always accurate. I'm not implying that's true for KL Rahul or even Rishabh Pant, but Rahul appears to be playing with greater freedom and looks relaxed at the crease," he added.
