‘I am excited for the next 10 years’- KL Rahul reflects on his international career, sets goals for the future

KL Rahul was a major contributor to India’s successful Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. After being under pressure, particularly in run-chases, his vital knocks down the order helped India record victory. Rahul scored 140 runs at an average of 140 from four innings to end the competition. Only once during the competition was he fired.

In a recent interview, the wicketkeeper-batter reminisced on his turbulent international cricket career. He talked about the privilege of serving his nation and called the trip a “beautiful ride” with ups and downs.

“What a gift it is to represent my country and pursue my ambition for so long—it has been an amazing trip. I have wanted to play for India since I was a young child, and I am incredibly thankful and privileged to have been given this chance. There have been highs and lows along the way, and I have gone through everything an athlete could possibly go through. Rahul told JioHotstar, “But in retrospect, it has been a lovely ride, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The 32-year-old expressed his excitement for the next stage of his career, where he hopes to continue developing as a player and benefit from his past experiences.

“I am now looking forward to the next ten years of my professional life. I want to take everything I’ve learned in my first ten years, expand on it, and keep developing. My goals are to get better every day, develop as a player, and help my team win more games,” Rahul said.

You don’t always get to pick what you want when you play a team sport: KL Rahul

Rahul said that batting at the top of the order is his preferred position. But he knows that in a team sport, it’s critical to be adaptable and change with the team.

“I’ve played in the top order my entire life. I have been a top-order batter for the majority of my career, starting with my first competitive match in Mangalore when I was eleven years old and continuing through my early days of playing for India. It is the one that feels most natural to me and in which I am most at ease. However, you don’t always get to pick what you want to do when you play a team sport. You must be adaptable and ready to change to meet the needs of the team. I’ve learnt to accept that over the years and do my best in whatever role I’m given,” Rahul remarked.

Rahul will participate in the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the Delhi Capitals. After previously playing for the Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Lucknow Super Giants, this is his fifth squad in the championship.