Rohit Sharma played a pivotal role in KL Rahul’s transformation: ‘He wanted to unlock his aggressive side…’
Almost quietly, KL Rahul has transformed from a talented role-player into one of the senior pillars of Indian cricket. At 32, with veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket, Rahul has stepped up — not just in terms of experience, but as a leader in the batting lineup across formats.
So far in 2025, Rahul has looked like a man reborn. Now almost certain to open in Tests, he began the England tour in style, including a fluent century in the second innings at Leeds. In white-ball cricket, he’s found a new rhythm as well. Slotted in at No. 6 in the ODI side, Rahul thrived under pressure during India’s title-winning ICC Champions Trophy campaign, adapting to the finisher’s role with poise and confidence.
His evolution, Rahul says, wouldn't have been possible without the backing of captain Rohit Sharma and then-assistant coach Abhishek Nayar. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Nayar revealed that one of his primary responsibilities was to help Rahul unlock the consistency and fearlessness that had long been expected of him.
“When I first took on that role, Rohit told me he really wanted me to work closely with KL — to help bring out a more aggressive version of his game and to get the best out of him,” said Nayar, who was part of the support staff during Gautam Gambhir’s early stint as India’s head coach.
The results were clear. Rahul’s technical adjustments were evident during the Champions Trophy knockouts. He finished unbeaten on 41 against Australia in the semi-final and then anchored the chase with 34-* in the final against New Zealand. These weren’t huge scores, but the assurance and intent he showed under pressure highlighted a player in complete control — someone who had finally found the sweet spot between flair and composure.
Nayar didn’t divulge too much about the work that went on behind the scenes but offered a glimpse into their process.
“I always approach things by focusing on the skill first — and then using that skill as a gateway to influence the mind,” said the former Mumbai cricketer. “It’s about designing practice in a way that builds belief in the plan and in execution.”
Rahul’s aggressive mindset has carried over to the IPL as well, where he made a strong impact with his new team, Delhi Capitals. He scored 539 runs at a strike rate of 149 — a far cry from the slower-paced knocks that had drawn criticism in previous seasons. He showed a clear intent to attack from the start and shed the tendency to retreat into his shell.
This is a new KL Rahul — sharper, more aggressive, and more assured. And with Indian cricket in the middle of a generational shift, he’s emerging as the kind of steadying presence the team will need in the years ahead.