Cricket

KL Rahul's Leadership Shines as He Prioritizes Mayank Yadav's Well-beingIn a display of exemplary leadership, Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul put the well-being of pacer Mayank Yadav ahead of the team's immediate needs during their recent clash against the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024.After delivering the first ball of his fourth over, Mayank experienced a side strain, prompting Rahul to make the difficult decision of not risking the young bowler for the remaining deliveries. "I have not really spoken to him. He had slight pain in his side and after the first ball, he said that there was a bit of pain. I thought there was no need to risk it, he is still a young lad," Rahul explained during the post-match presentation.Despite the injury scare, Mayank had showcased his talent and potential earlier in the match, with his deliveries consistently reaching impressive speeds. "In this game, he showed he has more skills than bowling 150-plus. The more he plays, the more he will learn when to bowl what. Right now, we have given him a free hand to just enjoy himself and bowl what he wants," Rahul remarked, acknowledging Mayank's versatility and growth as a bowler.Mayank's injury scare highlights the physical demands faced by players in the intense IPL season. However, his ability to bounce back and deliver impactful performances reflects his resilience and determination.Rahul's decision to prioritize Mayank's well-being over the team's immediate needs underscores his commitment to player welfare and his understanding of the importance of long-term health. By putting Mayank's health first, Rahul has set an example for other captains and emphasized the need to balance performance with player safety.

KL Rahul, the current captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), has opened up about his journey as a leader and the lessons he has learned along the way.After captaining the Punjab Kings for two seasons without success, Rahul joined LSG and has led them to the playoffs in both seasons. He attributes his current success to trusting his instincts and building strong relationships with his team."Building a team is about players you pick, key positions you can't afford to miss in the auction," Rahul said. "First few years of me captaining, I am not shy to admit, I made a few mistakes as well."Rahul credits his current success to trusting his instincts, something he said he didn't do enough in his initial days as a leader. He feels he has struck the right balance between backing his gut and listening to the advice of the team management."There is so much information coming as you captain. Which one to take and which one to not and see you have a gut feel which is against what the coaches are saying," he said. "Initially, it was hard to go against that as culturally we are taught to respect the elders. Somehow things did not go according to plan and I was not being able to sleep. I have realised you need to build the trust and bond not only with the players but also with the coaches. We both want the same thing."Rahul also spoke about the leadership styles of current India skipper Rohit Sharma and predecessor Virat Kohli."Rohit brought sense of calmness in the dressing room. The passion remains the same. It also helps that people have understood their roles and have had enough time to adjust to those roles," Rahul said. "Virat had already set the benchmark on how to be on the field and Rohit carried on with a bit of calmness."Rahul also labelled MS Dhoni and Kane Williamson as the true gentlemen of the game.

KL Rahul on Track for IPL Return, Eyes T20 World Cup SelectionSenior Indian batsman KL Rahul is expected to be fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which begins on March 22. Rahul, who missed the last three Tests against England due to a quadriceps injury, has undergone surgery and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.Rahul, the captain of the Lucknow SuperGiants, is eager to prove his worth in the IPL as he aims to earn a spot in India's T20 World Cup team as a wicketkeeper-batsman. A source close to the player revealed that Rahul consulted top medical experts in London before returning to India on Sunday."He is keen to prove his worth in the IPL as he's in line for selection in India's T20 World Cup team as a 'keeper-bat," the source told TOI.Rahul's injury woes began during the England tour last year, where he suffered a quadriceps strain in the second Test at Lord's. He underwent surgery in Germany in August and has been working diligently on his recovery since then.The Lucknow SuperGiants will kick off their IPL campaign against the Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur on March 24. Rahul's return to fitness will be a major boost for the franchise, which will be looking to make a strong impact in its debut season.If Rahul can regain his form and fitness in the IPL, he will be a strong contender for a place in India's T20 World Cup squad. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Australia later this year, and Rahul's experience and leadership qualities could prove invaluable for the team.