In a lighthearted interview on Star Sports, KL Rahul was posed a fun yet difficult question: choosing between Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni as his ideal IPL 2025 teammate. The question left Rahul in a bit of a bind, as he admitted it was tough to pick just one. All three cricketers are highly respected and have immense experience, and Rahul noted he had enjoyed playing with each of them in various capacities throughout his IPL career.
While Rahul did not immediately pick one, he did note how challenging the decision was. This speaks volumes about the camaraderie and mutual respect the cricketers share on and off the field. In previous IPL seasons, Rahul has had the opportunity to play alongside all three in different team dynamics. Starting his career with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) alongside Virat Kohli in 2013, Rahul has since also shared the field with Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni at various points in his IPL career.
KL Rahul, who captained the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) from 2022 to 2024, is used to playing under the leadership of such iconic figures. Despite being a successful leader for LSG, Rahul emphasized that he would never actively seek captaincy if he joined a new franchise in the IPL. This speaks to his humble nature and readiness to contribute in whatever role is needed, a mindset he developed throughout his career. His calm and composed approach to the game, alongside his flexibility, has made him one of the most admired players in the IPL.
The IPL has also been an important platform for Rahul to showcase his batting skills. He has consistently been one of the top run-scorers, with an impressive record of 4,683 runs from 132 matches at an average of 45.47, including four centuries and 37 fifties. His ability to handle pressure, whether as a batter or leader, makes him a highly valuable asset to any team, and his admiration for players like Kohli, Rohit, and Dhoni is a reflection of the high standards they set both on and off the field.
KL Rahul’s IPL journey has been marked by significant achievements, including leading LSG to the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. Despite not clinching the title, Rahul’s leadership and performances have solidified his place among the top players in the league. His partnership with Virat Kohli during their early years at RCB, followed by shared experiences with Rohit and Dhoni, has been crucial in shaping his leadership philosophy. It is no surprise that he has a deep respect for these stalwarts, considering the immense contribution each has made to Indian cricket.
KL Rahul’s admiration for Kohli, Rohit, and Dhoni also underscores the impact these players have had on the broader cricketing ecosystem. Each has brought unique leadership styles and cricketing philosophies to the table. Kohli’s aggressive and passionate approach, Rohit’s calm and strategic mindset, and Dhoni’s iconic “Captain Cool” demeanor have shaped generations of players. For Rahul, having shared dressing rooms with these legends has been instrumental in his growth as a cricketer, helping him mold his own identity as both a player and a leader.
KL Rahul’s reflections also serve as a reminder of the lessons young cricketers can learn from the legends of the game. Whether it’s Kohli’s intense work ethic, Dhoni’s ability to stay composed under pressure, or Rohit’s knack for reading the game, each quality offers invaluable insights for aspiring players. As a seasoned player himself, Rahul exemplifies how these traits can be integrated into one’s own approach, demonstrating the importance of mentorship and collaboration in cricket.
This dilemma of choosing between Kohli, Rohit, and Dhoni also highlights the camaraderie within Indian cricket. While the IPL often pits players against each other as rivals, it’s moments like these that reveal the deep respect and bonds shared among teammates. For fans, hearing Rahul speak so warmly about his experiences adds a personal touch to the larger-than-life figures they admire, emphasizing the spirit of unity that drives Indian cricket forward.
As the IPL 2025 auction approaches, many cricket fans are eagerly speculating about Rahul’s future. His experience, leadership, and undoubted cricketing talent make him one of the most sought-after players. Rahul’s versatility and ability to play in various roles, whether as an opener or in the middle order, add to his appeal for any franchise looking to strengthen their squad.