KL Rahul, for the first time in his IPL career, will be playing with the added burden of captaincy. The 28-year-old will be leading the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in IPL 2020 which will begin on September 19. Rahul over the years has played under the captaincy of two great Indian leaders Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
The duo is considered as two of the most successful Indian captains of all time. Recently, Rahul admitted that he has learned a lot of leadership qualities while playing under both India stalwarts. This year, Rahul is looking to follow the same paths of Dhoni and Kohli and produce positive results from his IPL franchise.
Learned leadership qualities from Kohli and Dhoni – KL Rahul
He also pointed out that both are completely different individuals and have their style of leading their sides. Further, the new KXIP captain lauded their passion and drive to win matches as captain in their distinct ways by leading from the front.
Rahul said, “They (Kohli and Dhoni) have been the most inspiring cricketers and leaders in the last 10 years at least. Having the opportunity to play under them is great learning”.
“Both of them are completely different individuals and lead the team differently. But their passion for the team is the same, they always want to win and push the team together. “I also want to use the same approach with my team and look to lead from the front. It should feel like a team, it should feel like family”, Rahul further added ahead of the IPL 2020 season.
Meanwhile, the entire Kings XI Punjab franchise is currently preparing for the upcoming season in Dubai. This year the franchise has roped in former India captain Anil Kumble as the head coach for IPL 2020. Rahul will be looking to lead his KXIP side to their maiden IPL title this year in the United Arab Emirates.
