KL Rahul addresses retirement talk amid speculation over his future, 'I'm not that important'

KL Rahul addressed rumours around his retirement from cricket, playing down speculation and clarifying his mindset amid ongoing discussions.

KL Rahul (Image | BCCI on X)

India's star batter KL Rahul has been one of the most valuable cricketers in modern age cricket. Being a part of the Test and ODI setup, Rahul has performed brilliantly and has aced the formats. Known for his flexibility with the batting order, he has been of huge help to the team whenever they are in crunch situations.

Recently, while speaking to former English cricketer Kevin Pietersen, Rahul opened up about he feels about taking retirement and his future plans around his career. He is quite sure that the decision is not going to be much difficult as he has thought about it and doesn't consider himself 'important'.

"I've (thought about it). I don't think it's (retirement) gonna be that difficult. If you're honest with yourself, when it's time, it's time. And there's no point dragging it. Obviously, I'm some time away. Just quit. Just enjoy the stuff that you've got and you have your family and just do that. That's the hardest battle. So I try and tell myself that I'm not that important," said KL Rahul on Pietersen's YouTube channel.

KL Rahul has been playing cricket for more than a decade now, starting from his U19 days. When he started playing for India, runs did come frequently, but multiple injuries held him back from performing. As years passed by, Rahul released that the game has evolved and he has to, too. Since then, he has taken up the challenge of playing cricket at different positions and that has helped him evolve as a player and take up responsibilities every often.

“There have been times when I'm injured and I've been injured so many times and that's the hardest battle that you have to face. It's not the pain that the physio puts you through or the surgeon puts you through," he said.

You've done enough: KL Rahul

Injuries are the hardest part of any cricketer's life and KL Rahul has faced the battle multiple times. He opened up about the mental battles he had to face during the injuries. Moreover, the injuries have helped him become stronger and take wise decisions in the future.

"It's the mental battle where your mind just gives up. When it happens so many times, your mind is just like, you've done enough. You've been lucky enough that cricket's given you enough money. You can survive for the next how many ever years," he added.

Where to watch IND vs NZ matches?

Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I on January 28 online on JioHotstar, via OTTplay Premium.

Also read: Former India bowler blames Test series loss against SA on Kohli-Rohit transition, makes eye-opening claim

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