'A Different KL this Season' - Pujara Gives Rahul Credit for Smooth LSG-DC Transition

In the game of cricket, players sometimes go through several periods in their careers. KL Rahul is one athlete who has clearly changed this season. Follow Bpexch app for more sports news. 

He has been doing remarkably well for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) this season. Tuesday night, in DC's triumph over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), KL Rahul produced his third half-century with 57 runs off 42 balls. 

Rahul has scored 323 runs in just seven innings, which marks a fantastic beginning to the season.

Rahul now ranks most in runs for DC this season. Rahul missed the beginning of the season to spend time with his family for the birth of his child, but he has come back to form and explained to everyone why he is regarded as one of India's top T20 batsmen.

The New Approach of KL Rahul

Renowned cricket player Cheteshwar Pujara has seen KL Rahul's changing performance this season. 

Rahul has moved on, remarked, leaving behind any old issues from his time with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). 

"Just move on, don't carry any baggage from the past," Pujara advised during an ESPNcricinfo TimeOut interview.

This is Rahul's significant transformation. Rahul was the captain of LSG in the past; occasionally, this may be quite demanding. 

Now, though, he is a DC player, so he lacks the pressure of a captain. This has enabled him to concentrate on his batting and play with greater freedom, therefore increasing his enjoyment of the game.

Pujara also noted Rahul's current much more mature playing style. He has improved much more as he is better aware of his game. Pujara pointed out, "We have seen a different KL Rahul this season."

The Match-Winning Knock Against LSG by KL Rahul

Rahul took his time to relax on Tuesday as DC had to pursue a target set by LSG. DC was at 36 for 1 when he headed out to bat. 

At initially Rahul scored slowly, only 19 runs off 20 balls in the first 10 overs. DC remained in a solid position at 80 for 1, though, with Abishek Porel scoring rapidly at the opposite end.

Rahul then accelerated, striking back-to-back sixes off spinners Aiden Markram and Ravi Bishnoi. 

As he got his fifty off forty balls, his innings got more robust. With 13 balls left, Rahul's third six helped him to seal the game and take DC to triumph.

The Impact of Not Being Captain

Former England cricketer Nick Knight also offered his opinions on the reasons Rahul is performing so brilliantly this season. 

Not being the captain this time could be benefiting Rahul, he thinks. "Captaincy can do funny things to you - sometimes you thrive on it, sometimes it's a burden," Knight advised.

Rahul can now concentrate just on his batting without the extra strain of captaincy. Not every outstanding athlete, Knight noted, is required to be the captain. 

Sometimes, it might be wiser to simply play and let others handle the leadership. Rahul looks more at ease on the field and is playing naturally according to his latest form.

Performance by Mukesh Kumar and DC's Bowling Approach

Although KL Rahul's hitting was the game's highlight, another player—Mukesh Kumar—also proved crucial for DC's triumph. 

With 4 wickets for 33 runs, he bowled superbly, therefore helping to restrict LSG to 159 points. Crucially in DC's victory was Mukesh's effort in the powerplay and his bowling yorkers.

Pujara said Mukesh is always searching for wickets and congratulated him. He even claimed that among the finest IPL deliveries were Mukesh's against Mitchell Marsh. 

The game changed much depending on Mukesh's confidence and his ability to execute crucial deliveries.

Captaincy of Axar Patel

Apart from Mukesh's brilliance, DC captain Axar Patel also was crucial for the triumph. He made wise bowling modifications all through the game, including opening the bowling with himself—a unexpected action. 

Knight commended Axar for being creative with his choices and for judicious use of his resources.

Along with his deft bowling techniques, Axar's leadership enabled DC to keep LSG under control and confidently pursue down the target.

Conclusion: KL Rahul's New Chapter

The path KL Rahul travels on in IPL 2025 has been one of development and transformation. Rahul has begun anew with DC, playing with more freedom and confidence and having left behind any past problems with LSG. 

Based on his performances, he is not only a fantastic batsman but also someone who has developed in handling pressure and emphasising enjoyment of the game. 

KL Rahul has demonstrated, with his current form, that he is among India's most consistent T20 players; his journey is only just getting started.

Regarding the Delhi Capitals, Rahul's performance is helping them; thanks to players like Mukesh Kumar and Axar Patel, the team looks better than it has ever done.

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