'We've seen a different KL Rahul this season' - Cheteshwar Pujara lauds DC star after consistent performances in IPL 2025
"When he started [against LSG], he didn't look that fluid, but he still picked it up," Cheteshwar Pujara said about KL Rahul.
Cheteshwar Pujara heaped praise on KL Rahul for his consistent performances with the bat for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. After being roped in by DC in the mega auction last year, the wicketkeeper-batter has slammed 323 runs in just seven innings at an average of 64.60 and a strike rate of 153.81. He is the leading run-getter for the Axar Patel-led side this season and also became the fastest to 5000 runs in IPL history. Rahul achieved the feat in his 130th innings.
On Tuesday, April 22, Rahul scored an unbeaten 57 off 42 balls to help DC register a comprehensive eight-wicket win against his former IPL franchise, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. After the match, Pujara lauded his former India teammate for not dwelling on the past and trying to enjoy his batting.
"Just move on, don't carry any baggage from the past. That's a good thing. KL is a mature player. Over the last couple of years, he's been batting well across formats. He doesn't want to think about the past and just wants to enjoy his batting and stay in his zone," Pujara said while speaking on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut.
Rahul's stint with LSG ended on a bitter note, but shifting base to Delhi has paid dividends for the 33-year-old cricketer. Pujara feels that moving on from the past has benefited the Mangaluru-born.
"It's good to move on, which will also help him perform well for DC and even for the Indian team," Pujara added. "He looks a lot more mature now and understands his game very well. We've seen a different KL Rahul this season. When he started [against LSG], he didn't look that fluid, but he still picked it up."
Delhi Capitals return to winning ways
Delhi Capitals went another step closer to securing qualification for the playoffs after they defeated LSG on Tuesday. They have registered six wins from eight matches and are placed at No. 2 on the points table. Axar and Co. will return to action on April 27 when they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Cricketers show condolences for victims of Pahalgam attack
Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants, who lost by eight wickets on Tuesday, have five wins and four losses from nine games. They find themselves at No. 5 on the points table. LSG will take on the Mumbai Indians on April 27 at the Wankhede Stadium.
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