CD Web Desk
By Abrar Ahmed Khan
Representing Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy is a dream that many young cricketers nurture while slogging it out in the nets of local cricket camps across the state. For Mangalorean KL Rahul, that dream became reality when he walked onto the field wearing the Karnataka jersey in the current Ranji season.
No wonder the boy from Surathkal is elated. “Feels great! Especially after working hard for so many years,” he says. But Rahul knows it is just the beginning. “This is just the first step. But I feel really happy,” he adds.
Rahul describes playing for the state in India’s premier domestic tournament as an even better experience than representing India in the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand. “Right now, the Ranji Trophy experience feels better. I got a chance to share the dressing room with seniors like Manish Pandey and Robin Uthappa. I’ve learned a lot, but I still have a long way to go,” he says.
He values the U-19 World Cup campaign highly as well. “It was the first time I actually played in a foreign country. The conditions were different, and the wickets were bouncy,” he recalls. Rahul believes that a good player must adapt to any wicket. “Baroda’s wicket was bad; the match ended in five sessions. But you can’t blame the wicket all the time,” he adds.
Karnataka cricket is on a high, and the change of guard with former India skipper Anil Kumble taking charge as KSCA President has boosted morale. The new executive team, including former India players Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad, has inspired budding cricketers like Rahul. “The new team is doing a good job. They come to us, take our feedback, and make us feel comfortable. Kumble sir even comes to the nets and attended our match at Mysore. So far, it’s been very encouraging,” Rahul says.
With Kumble staying out of the IPL, he has signaled his commitment to serving state cricket in his new role. Rahul feels that shorter formats like the IPL are positive for cricket development. “Premier leagues help players get exposure. It would be good if the 50-over format gets similar attention,” he says, recalling his time with Bangalore Brigadiers in the Karnataka Premier League under Robin Uthappa’s captaincy.
When asked about workload and injuries, Rahul is pragmatic. “We play a lot, but we have trainers and physios who help us. Injuries do come, but when they happen during the off-season, it’s easier to recover. Injuries are more personal than due to schedules,” he explains, with coach Jayaraj Samuel nodding in agreement.
Rahul credits his coaches, Jayaraj Samuel and Devdas Nayak, for shaping his cricket journey. He started playing as soon as he could hold a bat and joined the Nehru Maidan cricket camp at 11, where Coach Jayaraj first recognized his talent. “When we first saw him, he wasn’t that impressive, but he had commitment. We tested him against good bowlers, and he learned to play patiently from both ends. That’s when we realized he is special,” recalls Jayaraj.
The 2011 IPL auction highlighted the growing demand for young talent in T20 cricket. Players like R. Ashwin, Yusuf Pathan, Saurabh Tiwary, and Amit Mishra have used this platform to break into the national team. Rahul observes that young players have yet to fully establish themselves in Test cricket, citing the post-Laxman, Tendulkar, Dravid era as a challenge. “Test cricket is about the mind. It takes time to adapt to international strategies. Look at Gambhir; he struggled initially but now there’s no stopping him,” he notes.
Rahul supports initiatives to involve international-level players in domestic cricket to boost the longer formats. “Playing with senior cricketers is always good. It helps cricket overall,” he says.
Looking ahead, Rahul is excited about the upcoming World Cup and is backing the subcontinent teams. “It’s going to be a good tournament with tough competition,” he predicts. Reflecting on his own U-19 World Cup experience, he says, “Initially we didn’t start well, but we bounced back. The match against Pakistan was crucial; we just focused on winning that game. Even when it rained, we stayed motivated and supported the groundsmen because we wanted a proper game. That determination made the difference.”
KL Rahul has come a long way from the nets of Nehru Maidan. With dedication, guidance, and talent, he now dreams of representing India at the highest level—a dream he is steadily working to realize.
