KL Rahul could be playing and captaining currently Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the ongoing IPL 2024 but has a special place in his heart for the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Amid the current glow of IPL 2024, Rahul spoke about former RCB captain Virat Kohli’s reaction on hearing about his signing with RCB for the first time during a conversation with star R Ashwin on his YouTube channel.
Rahul, who celebrated his 32nd birthday on Thursday (April 18), reflected on his remarkable journey when he was signed by RCB for the 2013 season of the lucrative league.
KL Rahul remembers his IPL journey with RCB and Virat Kohli’s reaction
The young Indian wicketkeeper-batsman made his debut for the star-studded RCB team against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in 2013, and it was a big moment for him.
At just 20 years old, donning the RCB jersey was a dream come true for Rahul and was a major milestone in his career as it changed everything for him. Notably, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain had two separate stints with RCB in the IPL – the first in 2013 and the second in 2016.
KL Rahul told R Ashwin on his YouTube channel: “Virat was there (ITC Gardenia), coach Ray Jennings and other support staff were also there and Virat just said, “Would you like to sign this contract and play for RCB?” I was like, ‘Are you kidding me? It was always my dream.” And then he said, ‘I’m joking.’ It’s not an option, just sign this contract. I signed and Virat said, ‘It’s going to be a crazy ride.’ You’re going to have a lot of fun in the next few months.”
Rahul further said that what he learned during his stay at RCB during those two months was invaluable. He pointed out that with the growth and development he experienced during that short period at RCB, it would have taken him 7-8 seasons of playing just the Ranji Trophy to learn that.
I would have liked to finish my IPL career with RCB: KL Rahul
The 32-year-old right-hander said he gained a lot of knowledge and experience in those two months in the IPL with RCB, and things moved quickly. The LSG skipper also revealed that he would have loved to finish his IPL career at RCB because he started his IPL journey with them.
Rahul signed off saying: “I would have also loved to play in Bengaluru. I had started there; I would have liked to finish there and that was in my head. But the good thing about the IPL is that you can get into different teams with different players.”
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Notably, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the course IPL 2024 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on Friday, April 19. On the other hand, Ashwin will be seen in action on April 21, when Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on Mumbai Indians (MI).
Rajasthan Royals (RR) are currently on top of the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points, while Mumbai Indians (MI) have jumped to 7th place with 6 points from 7 matches so far in the tournament.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are at 5th place with 6 points, and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are at 3rd place with 8 points in the IPL 2024 points table.