- Nasima Akter
KL Rahul on Learning Leadership from Kohli & Dhoni
Injured Indian cricketer KL Rahul recently shared his insights and learnings from two former India captains, Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, during a podcast interview. Rahul, who is currently recovering from a muscle injury he sustained while playing for the Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL), spoke highly of both captains and their distinct qualities.
Rahul, a key batsman for the Indian team, had to undergo surgical intervention midway through the IPL after pulling his thigh muscle. He is presently recuperating in London and has been updating his fans through social media, even sharing photos of himself walking on crutches.
During his appearance on the BeerBiceps podcast, Rahul discussed his admiration for MS Dhoni and emphasized the importance of building strong relationships within the team. He praised Dhoni's ability to create a positive and cohesive environment, where players were willing to go to great lengths for their captain.
"MS Dhoni was my first captain, and I have learned a lot from him. He excels in building meaningful relationships with each individual, fostering an environment where teammates are willing to fight alongside you. That is something I've truly imbibed from him," Rahul expressed in the podcast.
Rahul's personal performance on the field has faced some challenges recently, and his injury has further affected his form over the past year. In the IPL, he managed to score 274 runs from 9 matches but faced criticism for his approach at the top of the batting order.
Interestingly, Rahul's journey seems to mirror that of Virat Kohli during the latter's off-form periods. Rahul highlighted Kohli's significant contribution to transforming the fitness standards in Indian cricket and praised his leadership by example.
"Virat Kohli sets the standard incredibly high and leads by example. His exemplary leadership demonstrated how to achieve greatness, inspiring every member of the team. His work ethic, focus on fitness, and attention to diet truly motivated us to pay more attention to these aspects," Rahul acknowledged about Kohli in the podcast.
However, Rahul's injury has sidelined him for a significant period, forcing him to miss the highly anticipated World Test Championship Final against Australia scheduled to commence on June 7. It's undoubtedly a setback for Rahul, who was hoping to contribute to India's quest for the title.
As he continues his recovery, Rahul remains determined to bounce back stronger and make a meaningful impact on the team's future endeavors. His experiences with the likes of Dhoni and Kohli have undoubtedly shaped his perspective and provided valuable insights into leadership, team dynamics, and personal growth.
KL Rahul's discussion on the BeerBiceps podcast shed light on the invaluable lessons he has learned from former India captains MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli. While Dhoni's emphasis on building strong relationships within the team left a lasting impression on Rahul, Kohli's dedication to fitness and leading by example served as a significant source of inspiration. As Rahul continues his rehabilitation, he hopes to incorporate these learnings into his own game and emerge as a stronger and more influential player for the Indian team in the future.
