KL Rahul outlines his mantra: Team first, my playing style does not matter

KL Rahul has reiterated his deep commitment to putting the team's needs ahead of his personal preferences, reflecting on how his mindset and motivation have always been centered around serving the collective goal, rather than focusing on individual accolades or styles. With the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in Australia on the horizon, Rahul is ready to be back in action for India, even as his playing style continues to attract criticism. Despite the scrutiny, Rahul has garnered unwavering support from the Indian team management, who have backed his versatility and contributions.

Speaking in an exclusive segment on Star Sports' *‘KL Rahul – Unplugged’*, Rahul addressed the ongoing debate surrounding his batting approach and explained that, while all players naturally desire the freedom to express themselves in their natural game, his approach to cricket has always been shaped by a sense of duty to the team. He emphasized that his ultimate goal is to adapt his style according to the team's requirements for each situation, no matter the challenge. Rahul stressed the difference between individual sports, like tennis, where players can maintain their natural style, and team sports, where each player's role is often dictated by the match situation and team strategy. 

Rahul also took the opportunity to reveal his personal ambition to return to the Indian T20I team, something he has aspired to ever since he first represented India in all three formats. His determination to remain an all-format player has not diminished, despite the fact that he has been out of the T20 squad for some time. Rahul spoke candidly about his awareness of where he stands as a player, acknowledging the areas where he needs to improve to regain his place in the T20 team. 

Looking ahead, Rahul sees the upcoming IPL season as an important opportunity to demonstrate his form and adaptability. He views the IPL as a critical platform to showcase his skills and regain the confidence of the selectors. He is eager to perform well, enjoy his cricket, and play with the freedom that allows him to express himself while keeping the team’s success as his top priority. Rahul’s goal remains to represent India across all formats, something he has done with pride for many years, and he is focused on using the IPL as a springboard for that return.