Cricket
Cricket
KL Rahul answers 31 questions from fans
The India opening batsman responded to his fans during an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on social media.
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8 min
KL Rahul - Shut Out The Noise
Shut Out The Noise is a documentary on how KL Rahul became one of the best batsmen in the world after his return to the India national team in early 2019.
KL Rahul has been one of the best batsmen in cricket for the past few years.
While the sport has had its up-and-down moments with uncertainty over a pandemic, KL Rahul has been consistent with his performances and continued to rise in world cricket as a top player.
In between the training, matches and team bonding sessions, he took some time out to interact with fans on social media. As part of his ‘Ask Me Anything’ session, he responded to some fan questions. Check out a few below.
Name someone you look up to who is not a cricketer.
Someone I look up to is Roger Federer.
What is your favourite cheat meal?
It really depends on what mood I’m in. I like burgers and pizzas. I like biryani also. So one of them for sure.
What is one thing you miss most when you are away for a game?
I miss my dog Simba the most.
Who is the most challenging bowler you have faced?
The most challenging bowler so far has been Rashid Khan.
Name one dream player (playing or retired) you would want on your squad.
A player I would want in my squad (who is not in my squad already) would be Ben Stokes.
What is your first memory of playing cricket in your childhood?
Those days when I would break all the windows in my neighbourhood and get chased off the road. So yeah, some really good memories.
What is your favourite batting shot?
My favourite shots are the on-drive and the pull shot.
Is there a pre-match ritual you follow?
I think visualization is something I do before every game.
If you were not a cricketer, what would you be?
I’m not sure. I think I would have played another sport for sure. So (if not a cricketer) I would have been a sportsman for sure.
What is the next tattoo you are planning to get?
My next tattoo? I do have something planned and I’m sure it will be out on Red Bull TV soon. So stay tuned.
2 min
KL Rahul explains his tattoos
Indian opening batsman KL Rahul tells the stories behind some of the tattoos on his body.
Download the free Red Bull TV app and catch the cricket action on all your devices! Get the app here
What is the best piece of advice you got that you remember every day?
The advice that I remember is: “Cricket is a very simple game. The simpler you keep it, the more rewards the game will give you.”
What is your favourite video game?
My favourite video game would be FIFA. But I haven’t been playing a lot of video games off late so maybe I’ll have to start again now.
Name a historic cricket match you would have loved to play in.
The Calcutta Test match – India vs Australia (March 2001) – where Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman got a big partnership and India ended up winning the game.
Who do you consider as your inspiration?
My cricket idols are Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. My style idol is David Beckham. My overall sports idol is Roger Federer.
At what age did you start playing cricket?
My father tells me I was three or four when I picked up the bat and used to run around the house playing cricket. The first time I went to a summer camp was when I was 11 years old.
Which is your favourite format? T20, ODI or Test?
I like all three formats – I have to say that first. But my favourite would be Test cricket because the challenges of Test cricket are massive.
How do you keep yourself energetic and focussed?
I love running; it is the most important thing to me. I’m in my best shape when I’m running well. Obviously sleep and nutrition also play a big part.
Name an innings you played in 2021 that you're proud of.
The 100 at Lords against England.
What are your fitness goals for 2022?
To remain consistent and disciplined, not try to do new things and to not get bored of my routine.
KL Rahul
© Ali Bharmal
Any series you're particularly excited for in 2022?
The T20 World Cup which is happening at the end of the year.
Is there any food you recently tried and really enjoyed?
I recently tried Burmese food and loved it.
Related
Who is your wicket-keeping idol?
MS Dhoni
What are your resolutions for 2022?
My resolution is to be the same.
KL Rahul
© Ali Bharmal
One word to describe how you felt when you scored the record-breaking century at Lords?
Extremely special. It’s something that I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
What is your goal for 2022?
To win the T20 World Cup.
Is there a workout myth you’d like to bust?
The myth that you get more results if you do more activity. I believe sometimes less is more.
If you had to go back in time and change something, what would it be?
Not have Covid going around the world obviously, so that we could have more freedom.
Name a destination that’s been on your bucket list for a while.
Spain
What have been your key learnings as vice-captain in the T20 format?
I’ve learnt how to come out of my comfort zone to make sure the players in my team are feeling comfortable and they're in a good mind space to perform well for their country. I’ve also learnt to make sure that everyone knows their responsibilities and how to create a good atmosphere in the dressing room where everyone is feeling happy and willing to fight for their country.
KL Rahul
© Ali Bharmal
What is your advice for young aspiring wicket-keepers?
The same advice I’ve heard all my life as a wicket-keeper: keep your eyes on the ball, and stay low and rise with the ball.
Describe 2021 in one word.
Challenging
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