New Delhi,sep 3
In his first high-profile captaincy assignment, K L Rahul is looking to lead from the front and use the nuggets of leadership knowledge he has collected while observing the likes of M S Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Rahul has been handed the Kings XI Punjab captaincy after two stellar seasons with the bat at the top of the order.“Of course. They have been the most inspiring cricketers and leaders in the last 10 years at least. Having the opportunity to play under them is great learning,” Rahul said when asked about the possibility of seeing shades of Kohli and Dhoni in his captaincy. “Both (Kohli and Dhoni) of them are completely different individuals and lead the team differently. But their passion for the team is the same, they always want to win and push the team together. “I also want use the same approach with my team and look to lead from the front. It should feel like a team, it should feel like family. ”Rahul said he has picked up the tricks of the leadership trade not just from his India skippers but also opposition captains.
“We are always constantly watching the game on the field, I always keep my eyes open to learning. You learn a lot watching the likes of Rohit (Mumbai Indians captain and India captain at 2018 Asia Cup).“Guys like Kane Williamson. Hopefully, it (the learnings) is all stored in the back of my head (for me to use in the tournament),” said the stylish opener.To start with at least, Rahul will be opening the batting and wicket-keeping besides plotting the opposition’s downfall as captain. It could be too much work in a high-pressure event like the IPL but Rahul is excited about the challenge.“I don’t know if it is going play a part or hamper anything but I am quite looking forward to the responsibility, it is something I have always enjoyed. I am going in with an open mind and learn on the go,” he said.
