In cricket, the journey of a player is often punctuated by highs and lows. KL Rahul, the talented Indian cricketer, faced his fair share of challenges before making a triumphant comeback in the Asia Cup 2023. Before delving into his remarkable resurgence, it’s crucial to understand the context that fueled the buzz around Rahul’s form.
Leading up to the Asia Cup 2023, KL Rahul encountered a rough patch that invited relentless scrutiny. His performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy left much to be desired, with just 38 runs in two Test matches at an average of 12.66. This slump led to his exclusion, making way for Shubman Gill, and sparking debates about Rahul’s viability in the international arena.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage that amplifies both accolades and criticisms. Rahul, captaining the Lucknow Supergiants, faced intense scrutiny, particularly regarding his strike rate. Despite amassing 274 runs in nine matches, his strike rate of 113.22 triggered debates about his approach to T20 cricket. Unfortunately, Rahul’s IPL journey was truncated by an injury, forcing him to miss the World Test Championship final in England.
Watch: Suniel Shetty Finally Breaks Silence On KL Rahul’s Social Media Trolling
Amid the online onslaught, Suniel Shetty, Rahul’s father-in-law, and a legendary Bollywood actor, shared his sentiments on the relentless trolling. In a recent interaction, Shetty expressed, “It hurt me very much, probably more than it hurts him. You know the way children are, they would never talk about anything, let it be. Dad, my bat will talk, and it’s spoken. The faith of the people, the faith of the captain, the selectors in him said it all. It hurts me 100 times more than it would hurt him, Rahul or Athiya.”
In understanding Shetty’s words, it’s evident that he perceives Rahul’s silence as a profound statement. The cricketer’s commitment to letting his bat do the talking aligns with a resolute belief in his abilities. Shetty emphasizes the resounding faith invested in Rahul by the cricketing fraternity, asserting that actions on the field speak louder than online criticisms.
Fast forward to the Asia Cup 2023, and KL Rahul scripted a compelling narrative of resurgence. His bat, indeed, did the talking as he delivered stellar performances, silencing the critics who had questioned his form. Rahul’s innings were not merely about runs; they were proof of his resilience and determination, qualities that define a true champion. He then delivered in the ODI World Cup 2023, where India won all 10 games convincingly until the final but suffered a heartbreaking loss against Australia in the final.
Beyond the boundary, KL Rahul finds unwavering support in his family, especially from his wife, Athiya Shetty. The Bollywood actress stands by him, weathering the storms of criticism. This familial support serves as a robust foundation for Rahul’s mental fortitude, enabling him to focus on his game amidst the cacophony of opinions.
EP-121 with Suniel Shetty premieres on Wednesday at 5 PM IST
"It hurts me 100 times more.." Suniel Shetty opens up about KL Rahul being trolled on social media#ANIPodcastwithSmitaPrakash #SunielShetty #KlRahul #Cricket
Tune in here: https://t.co/LLgzRg3fCS pic.twitter.com/mtBP8tORXj
— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2023
