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Key Points

Cheteshwar Pujara believes KL Rahul's move to Delhi Capitals has sharpened his game, making him crucial for India. Nick Knight suggests captaincy pressure may have previously hindered Rahul's performance. Rahul silenced critics with a match-winning 57* against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants. He also became the fastest to 5000 IPL runs, proving his elite form.

Key Points: Pujara Backs KL Rahul as Key Player for India and Delhi Capitals

  • Pujara highlights Rahul's growth and reliability for Team India
  • Nick Knight weighs in on captaincy pressure affecting performance
  • Rahul's record-breaking 57* leads DC to victory over LSG
  • Fastest to 5000 IPL runs milestone achieved
3 min read

KL Rahul is someone India team also relies on: Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara praises KL Rahul's maturity and form, calling him vital for India while Nick Knight discusses captaincy impact on his game.

"We have seen a different KL Rahul this season... he understands his game very well. – Cheteshwar Pujara"

New Delhi, April 23

Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara believed that KL Rahul's move to Delhi Capitals will benefit both him and the Indian team.

In an interviews to ESPNcricinfor Pujar said he saw a more mature Rahul this season, who understands his game well. He acknowledged that Rahul's start to the season was a bit shaky, but he ultimately picked up his form.

"It's good to move on, which will also help him play well for DC and even for the Indian team. Because lately, he is someone the India team also relies on, the way he's batting. Even as a person, he looks a lot more mature now, he understands his game very well. We have seen a different KL Rahul this season. When he started [against LSG], he didn't look that [fluid], but still he picked it up." Chetashwar Pujara said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Former England player Nick Knight believed that the pressure of captaincy can have a mixed impact on players, sometimes hindering their performance. He felt that Rahul's current form might be a result of the freedom he has gained by not being the captain of DC. Knight also suggested that the best player isn't always the best captain.

"Captaincy can do funny things to you - sometimes you thrive on it, sometimes it's a burden. Whether that's had any impact, of not being captain now, just being free and being able to play the match situation. We've got this obsession in cricket that the best player has to be captain. That's not always the case, is it? I'm not saying that's the case with KL Rahul, or even Rishabh Pant, but he's batting with so much freedom and looks relaxed in the crease." Nick Knight said.

Rahul's belligerent display and Abhishek Porel's composed half-century lifted Delhi Capitals to an 8-wicket triumph against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday at the Ekana Cricket Stadium.

After a clinical bowling display, Rahul and Porel's rollicking fifties ensured DC strolled to victory with consummate ease. Rahul, who spent three seasons with Lucknow, returned to his former home and reduced the crowd to silence with his record-shattering 57* and sent DC level on points with Gujarat Titans on 12 points each.

Rahul brought up his 40th half-century in the IPL and became the fastest to 5000 runs in the cash-rich league's history.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul S.
KL's transformation this season has been incredible to watch! That 57* against LSG was pure class. Pujara is right - he's looking so much more confident at the crease now. 💪 #DC #IPL
P
Priya M.
Interesting point about captaincy pressure. I think Nick Knight makes a valid observation - sometimes leadership can weigh down even the best players. KL seems to be thriving without that burden.
A
Arjun K.
While I agree KL is in great form, I'm not sure about Pujara's claim that he's someone India "relies on." His test performances have been inconsistent. Hope he proves me wrong though!
S
Sanjana R.
That record-breaking 5000 IPL runs achievement is insane! 🎉 KL has been one of the most consistent performers in the league. DC made a smart move getting him.
V
Vikram J.
The partnership with Porel was beautiful to watch. Two different styles complementing each other perfectly. Shows KL's versatility as a batsman.
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Neha P.
As a long-time KL fan, this season has been so satisfying! He's finally getting the recognition he deserves. That mature approach Pujara mentioned really shows in his shot selection.

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