KL Rahul credits T20 cricket and Virat Kohli for his rise as a cricketer

If traditions are to be followed then T20 cricket doesn’t fall into that category according to many cricketing experts and critics. Despite T20 becoming the most popular format of the game according to the current trend, many former greats and experts of the game have time and again lamented the fact that T20 cricket spoils young and budding cricketers and their outlook towards the longest format of the game. But the scenario has been totally opposite in the case of Indian opening batsman KL Rahul. T20 cricket has actually transformed him into a complete player and has helped him become an asset for the national team.

Rahul has scored runs for India across every format and is only the 3rd Indian after Suresh Raina and Rohit Sharma to hit an international century in all three formats of the game. Rahul has been batting brilliantly so far in the ongoing Test against England in Chennai and has completed his 4th Test century. He grew from strength to strength and produced a stylish knock for India. More importantly, Rahul not only relied on his traditional cuts, drives, and pulls but brought out his full repertoire. He unleashed the sweeps and the reverse sweeps to good effect en route to his 4th Test century.

Since the IPL 2016 where Rahul scored 397 runs in 14 games there has been no looking back for the talented batsman. Besides his prowess Rahul has also been supported by his RCB and Team India captain Virat Kohli. After a successful IPL stint with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rahul had revealed that how spending time with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers helped him become a better batsman. “I spent time with Virat and AB and asked them questions about what they thought I should do to improve my cricket and be successful in the shortest format. Their ideas and feedback did help me in improving my batting,” he had said.

Rahul also felt privileged to be in the same dressing room with Kohli and stated that his presence meant that there was no need for a role model. Rahul also revealed that being with Kohli and interacting with him helps the youngsters to remain in discipline both in their life and game.