IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul reveals what he learnt from MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Dubai: Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) new captain KL Rahul has spoken about what he has learnt from skippers MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli  and Rohit Sharma. Rahul will be KXIP’s captain in IPL 2020. Rahul will have a huge responsibility in the league with batting, wicketkeeping and the leadership role.

First Published Aug 24, 2020, 3:32 PM IST

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Rahul and his KXIP teammates are already in the UAE. IPL 2020 will begin on September 19.

KXIP will be coached by Anil Kumble this year. Also, they have former India batsman Wasim Jaffer as the batting coach.

Rahul said whenever he is playing the game he thinks himself as the captain of the team.

“I always played the game thinking as if I’m the captain. At the ground, I always think of what I would have done in a particular situation. Whom I would have bowled in a situation? I was always proactive in my head and it’s just an extension of that. I know it will be harder than I think. I am not going in with any expectations, like I have played cricket so many years. I will get on the field and try to make decisions in the moment. You can’t plan too much because it could be confusing,” Rahul told Indian Express on Monday (August 24).

On being asked about learning from skippers Dhoni, Kohli and Rohit, the Karnataka batsman said, “Yes, yes. Dhoni’s calmness and belief showed in backing players who had the potential to be matchwinners. Virat’s passion in the way he leads, the way he wants the boys to be better and better. Rohit always plays with a passion and backs players.”

About KXIP’s chances in IPL 2020, he said, “I look at it is as a challenge. We are a way better team than what the results show. People’s perceptions only change when we start winning games. It’s a newish line-up, we have impact players, a lot of skill players and a young new captain. We will not carry the baggage of previous years, we will learn from it, try to correct our mistakes. And what will happen will happen.”