Cricket

KL Rahul, India's star wicketkeeper-batter, has opened up about the toll that online trolling and hate have taken on him. Rahul, who has often been criticized for his performances and scoring rates, admitted that while he was initially able to handle the abuse, it eventually began to affect him."I used to be good with (handling) trolling. I did not care, but I feel I was much younger back then. And then, a couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat, I got trolled, if I stood, I got trolled," Rahul said on entrepreneur Nikhil Kamath's YouTube Channel.Rahul's last international appearance was during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he scored 31 runs in two innings. Despite a fine ICC Cricket World Cup last year, in which he scored 452 runs in 10 innings at an average of 75.33, with a century and two fifties, Rahul was panned for his knock of 66 in 107 balls during the final against Australia, which India lost by six wickets after failing to defend 241 runs against Australia.In this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Rahul also attracted some criticism for his strike rate despite finishing among top 10 run-getters, with 520 runs in 14 matches at an average of 37.14, with four fifties. His strike rate of 136.12, lower in comparison to veterans like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and younger stars like Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Rishabh Pant, etc., was a subject of trolling.Back in 2019, both Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul were handed suspensions from the national team and fined Rs 20 lakh for Hardik's misogynist comments in "Koffee With Karan", before they could return to the team.While Rahul and Hardik featured in the ICC Cricket World Cup that year and suspension did not last very long, it still had a bad effect on Rahul, who admitted of "never being suspended in school".Rahul's admission highlights the growing problem of online abuse and trolling in sports. Athletes are increasingly subjected to vitriol and hate on social media, which can have a significant impact on their mental health and well-being. It is important to remember that athletes are human beings, and they deserve to be treated with respect.

KL Rahul's leadership has been lauded by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) fielding coach Jonty Rhodes, who praised Rahul's efforts since taking charge of the franchise in its inaugural season in 2022. Under Rahul's captaincy, LSG made it to the playoffs in the first two seasons but finished seventh in the 2024 edition, raising questions about his future with the team. However, discussions between team owner Sanjiv Goenka and Rahul about his potential retention have been reportedly positive.Rhodes, speaking to India Today, highlighted the challenges Rahul faced leading a new franchise and commended his ability to establish a competitive team culture. "I think if you look at a record as a captain of a brand-new franchise, getting into the playoffs every time like he has, it's been something that goes a long way towards his captaincy," Rhodes said. "The way that he leads the team and the sort of setup and the approach that he has."Rhodes noted that while other IPL captains like Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni have multiple trophies, Rahul's accomplishments with LSG should not be underestimated. "From LSG's point of view, it might just be one thing getting into the final, winning the trophy," Rhodes added, drawing parallels to Mumbai Indians' early struggles before their eventual success.Rhodes compared LSG's current phase to Mumbai Indians’ initial years in the IPL, where they did not make the playoffs in the first two seasons and only claimed their first title in 2013. "It then turns out MI didn't win a trophy for quite a few years at the start. Once they learned how to win trophies, they kept going," Rhodes explained. "I think from that point of view, he's done an excellent job at the helm, with a brand-new franchise, setting up a new culture, with new owners. And that I think is an indication of how well he's captained the team in a setup where there are players from all over the country in India who are very different and all over the world."LSG's ownership now faces critical decisions ahead of the upcoming mega auction as they decide whether to retain Rahul. Given the end of the three-year cycle, the team's management will need to weigh Rahul's past successes against recent setbacks to determine the franchise's path forward. Despite the recent seventh-place finish, Rhodes' remarks emphasize confidence in Rahul's capacity to lead LSG effectively.

Indian cricket star KL Rahul has candidly shared his thoughts on the fleeting nature of an athlete's career and his plans for life after retirement.Rahul, who has faced challenges in recent times with the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and the Indian cricket team, acknowledges the limited shelf life of an athlete. "There is a fear and realization that the shelf life is really small for an athlete," he said.At 30 years old, Rahul has begun to envision the end of his playing days. "I could see the end of the tunnel," he said. "All I have done all my life is 'Cricket, Cricket, Cricket,' without imagining this comes to an end."Recognizing the financial implications of retirement, Rahul has started exploring business ventures and investments. "I know there will be a huge dip in the amount I earn after I retire," he said. "I am trying to set up a few things before I retire so that when I retire that transition from an athlete to doing something in business will be smooth."Rahul's introspection highlights the challenges faced by athletes as they approach the end of their careers. While the allure of the game remains strong, the realization of its finite nature can trigger anxiety and a sense of urgency to secure their future.Rahul's candidness serves as a reminder that even the most successful athletes must plan for life beyond their playing days. By embracing this reality and taking proactive steps, they can ensure a smooth transition into the next chapter of their lives.

Star wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul is set to be retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, but not as captain. Sources close to the franchise have confirmed that Rahul's decision to step down from the captaincy stems from the pressure associated with the role, allowing him to focus on his batting performance.The uncertainty surrounding the LSG captaincy has opened up a race between two prominent candidates: Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran. Both players have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and could potentially lead the team to success.Rahul's meeting with LSG CEO Sanjiv Goenka on Monday solidified his retention as a player, but the captaincy remains up for grabs. Sources indicate that Goenka has full confidence in Rahul's abilities as a batter and believes he can make significant contributions to the team.The LSG franchise is actively exploring its captaincy options, with Pandya and Pooran emerging as the frontrunners. Pandya, a seasoned all-rounder, has captained the Gujarat Titans to the IPL title in 2022, while Pooran, a dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, has led the West Indies in international cricket.Rahul's decision to step down as captain follows a disappointing IPL season for LSG, which failed to qualify for the playoffs despite a promising start. The team's performance under Rahul's leadership has been a subject of scrutiny, with some fans and experts questioning his tactical decisions.After the IPL, Rahul's form dipped, leading to his exclusion from India's T20 World Cup squad. He is now eager to regain his place in the national team and believes that focusing solely on his batting will enhance his chances of selection.The LSG franchise is expected to announce its captaincy decision in the coming weeks, as the IPL player retention deadline approaches. The appointment of a new captain will be crucial for the team's success in the upcoming season.

Lucknow Super Giants Captain KL Rahul Meets with Franchise Owner Sanjiv GoenkaLucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain KL Rahul recently met with team owner Sanjiv Goenka at the franchise's office in Kolkata. The meeting, which lasted approximately an hour, was the first formal interaction between the two since their animated conversation following LSG's loss to SunRisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 8.While the specifics of the discussion remain undisclosed, sources indicate that Rahul's retention was a key point of focus. Rahul has captained LSG for three seasons and has been a key figure in the team's success. However, with IPL retention talks gaining momentum, there has been speculation about Rahul's potential return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), his former franchise.The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the official retention policy ahead of the December auction. It remains unclear how many players each team will be allowed to retain, and the Right to Match (RTM) option could also influence franchises' decisions regarding top retentions.Rahul's visit to Kolkata also coincides with news of the franchise's plans to bring in Zaheer Khan as a mentor. The former India pacer's appointment is expected to be confirmed soon. Zaheer will be working alongside Justin Langer, who will continue as head coach.Rahul's meeting with Goenka comes amidst a busy schedule for the cricketer. He was recently part of India's One Day International (ODI) squad that toured Sri Lanka and is set to compete in the Duleep Trophy in Bengaluru. In the Duleep Trophy, Rahul will represent Team A, captained by Shubman Gill.Neither Rahul, Goenka, nor any official from LSG provided immediate comments following the meeting. However, the meeting is seen as a positive sign for the franchise, which is looking to build on its success in the IPL.

KL Rahul, the Indian batter, has opened up about the controversy that led to his suspension by the BCCI in 2019. The controversy erupted after Rahul and his teammate Hardik Pandya made inappropriate and offensive comments on the television show "Koffee With Karan."The incident occurred while Rahul and Pandya were in Australia for a cricket tour. The backlash from the public forced them to cut short their tour and return to India.In a recent interview on Nikhil Kamath's YouTube podcast, Rahul candidly discussed the impact of the controversy on his life. He admitted that the experience left him deeply scarred and changed him as a person."I used to be good with trolling. I used to think I don't care. I was much younger back then. Couple of years back, I was exposed to a lot of trolling. If I sat I got trolled, If I stood I got trolled," Rahul said."The interview was a different world. That changed me. Completely changed me. I was a very soft-spoken person growing up. Then I played for India and became very confident. People will know I have been in a room of 100 people.""Now I don't because that interview scarred me massively. Getting suspended from the team. I have never been suspended in school, punished in school. I don't know how to handle it. I did mischief in schools but nothing to get me expelled from school or my parents have come," he added.Rahul's comments highlight the profound impact that social media and public scrutiny can have on athletes. The controversy forced him to confront his own behavior and the consequences of his actions.Rahul is currently preparing for the 2024 Duleep Trophy, aiming to secure a spot in the Indian Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh. The experience of the controversy has undoubtedly shaped his approach to the game and his life off the field.

KL Rahul, the Indian cricket team's star batter, is preparing for the upcoming red-ball season with renewed vigor. After making his comeback in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Rahul is now gearing up for the Duleep Trophy, which commences on September 5.Rahul's return to the Indian team was marked by a solid performance in the first ODI against Sri Lanka, where he scored 31 runs off 43 balls. However, he was dismissed for a two-ball duck in the second match. Despite the setback, Rahul remains determined to cement his place in the team and is using the Duleep Trophy as an opportunity to showcase his skills.The Duleep Trophy is a prestigious domestic tournament that provides a platform for players to stake their claim for national selection. Rahul will be playing for Team A, led by young India batter Shubman Gill. The tournament will give him a chance to regain his form and prove his worth in the longer format of the game.Rahul's recent batting session has been the talk of social media, with a viral video showcasing his impressive straight drive over the bowler's head. The video has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see Rahul back in action in the red-ball format.The Duleep Trophy will be a crucial test for Rahul as he aims to regain his place in the Indian Test team. With a strong performance, he can cement his position as one of the team's key players and help India achieve success in the upcoming Test series against Australia and Bangladesh.

KL Rahul's Cryptic Social Media Post Sparks Retirement SpeculationIndian cricket star KL Rahul has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world with a cryptic social media post that has sparked speculation about his retirement. On August 22, Rahul posted a message on Instagram that read, "I have an announcement to make, stay tuned..."Shortly after, another image circulated on his Instagram channel, seemingly confirming his retirement. The image read:"After much reflection and consideration, I have decided to announce my retirement from professional cricket. This decision has not been easy, as the sport has been a significant part of my life for many years."The message went on to express gratitude for the support of family, friends, teammates, and fans, and acknowledged the invaluable experiences and memories gained throughout his career. It concluded with a heartfelt thank you to all who had been a part of his cricketing journey.However, despite the seemingly definitive nature of the message, questions have been raised about its authenticity. Rahul has not officially confirmed his retirement through any other channels, and his social media accounts have since been deactivated.Sources close to Rahul have indicated that the retirement announcement may be a hoax, and that the cricketer is currently focused on preparing for the upcoming Duleep Trophy 2024, which is scheduled to commence on September 5.The speculation surrounding Rahul's retirement has created a buzz on social media, with fans and experts alike expressing their thoughts and opinions. Some have expressed concern about the possibility of Rahul retiring at such a young age, while others have questioned the timing of the announcement, given his recent return to the Indian team for the ODI series against Sri Lanka.As of now, the authenticity of Rahul's retirement announcement remains uncertain. However, the cryptic social media post has certainly raised eyebrows and sparked a lively debate about the future of one of India's most talented cricketers.

As India embarks on a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, the team management faces a crucial decision: selecting between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant as the long-term wicketkeeper-batter.Rahul has held the position since the 2022 Asia Cup, showcasing consistency with both bat and gloves. In 21 matches since then, he has amassed 834 runs at an impressive average of 69.50, including two centuries.However, Pant's return to the Indian team has sparked a debate. While his performances in T20Is have been underwhelming, recent signs of improvement have raised hopes. The management must weigh his potential against Rahul's proven track record.Another factor to consider is Shreyas Iyer, who has been in excellent form in the 50-over format. His inclusion would require a reshuffling of the batting order, potentially leading to a three-way split between Rahul, Pant, and Iyer.India's bowling options are also under scrutiny. With Hardik Pandya unavailable, the team may consider giving Riyan Parag or Shivam Dube a chance at No. 6. Parag's versatility as a leg-spinner and off-spinner could prove valuable, while Dube offers power-hitting capabilities.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be eager to avoid the batting collapses that plagued them in the T20I series. A mix of experienced and young players, they will look to challenge India's dominance.