Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 23: India’s dependable Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has praised KL Rahul for turning a fresh page in his IPL journey, leaving behind the baggage of his previous stint with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and embracing a more carefree and confident approach with Delhi Capitals (DC) this season.

Rahul, who missed DC’s opening game due to the birth of his daughter, has since blazed through IPL 2025, amassing 323 runs in seven matches and emerging as the franchise’s top run-scorer. His latest knock — an unbeaten 57 off 42 balls — led DC to a comfortable chase of 160 in just 17.5 overs, marking another step in his remarkable resurgence.

Pujara, speaking to ESPNCricinfo, highlighted Rahul’s mental shift:

"Just move on, don't carry any baggage from the past... KL is a mature player. He doesn’t want to dwell on what went wrong at LSG. He just wants to enjoy his batting and be in his zone."

He added that Rahul’s ability to let go of past disappointments will not only benefit DC but also Team India, where he's become a vital cog in the batting lineup.

Former England opener Nick Knight echoed similar sentiments, suggesting Rahul's form might be flourishing due to his freedom from captaincy responsibilities, which he held at LSG:

"Captaincy can do funny things to you — sometimes it lifts you, sometimes it’s a burden. Rahul now looks more relaxed and is playing with freedom, which is great to see."

Knight also addressed a larger trend in cricket:

"There’s an obsession with making the best player captain. That’s not always necessary."

With DC now sitting comfortably at 12 points, KL Rahul’s return to form is a bright spot not just for his franchise, but possibly for Indian cricket as well, as selectors eye the T20 World Cup later this year.