IPL 2022: It is important to have KL Rahul the batter, who is also captain rather than captain, who also bats – LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir

Lucknow Super Giants mentor Gautam Gambhir wants KL Rahul to be the batter, who will also lead the team rather than being a captain who also bats.

Gambhir wants Rahul to play his natural game as a batter at the top of the order and give his best to the team.

It was noted that Rahul was a bit sedate in his approach as an opener while playing for Punjab Kings as his strike rate was below par on many occasions. Rahul has the skills to hit the ground running but he was still a bit cautious in his approach.

KL Rahul has been a consistent performer in the IPL, especially in the last couple of seasons. Rahul has amassed 3273 runs in 94 IPL matches at an impressive average of 47.43 and a strike rate of 138.36. Ergo, the wicket-keeper batter will look to continue the same form for the Lucknow franchise.

Gautam Gambhir said while talking to PTI, “Ultimately, it is the leader who is the flag-bearer of a team and so it’s Rahul who will lead Lucknow Super Giants on and off the field. For me, it is important to have KL Rahul the batter, who is also the captain of the team rather than KL Rahul, the captain, who also bats. I hope I am able to make you understand the difference.”

“Any captain should learn to take risks. I would want Rahul to take risks and unless you take calculated risks, you won’t know if you would succeed or not. Also this time, Quinton de Kock will be our wicketkeeper, so with no keeping duties, he can be free and relaxed, concentrating on his batting and leadership.”

Meanwhile, Gambhir reckons one should not play in the IPL while looking at the national team. Rahul is also regarded as one of the potential leaders for the Indian team.

“Know one thing. There is a difference between being talked up as a future India captain and ultimately being appointed India captain. I have never believed that you should play IPL looking at the national team. IPL is a platform to express one’s self. One can grow as a leader but there are no guarantees that there is a time period that IPL will help you become India captain.”

Rahul had scored 626 runs in 13 matches in the previous season for PBKS and he would want to be at his best for LSG. The Super Giants will begin their campaign against Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.