KL Rahul, a batsman for the Delhi Capitals (DC), said that Kevin Pietersen’s previous criticism of his batting style and strike rate was harmless. Pietersen made the notable remark that “watching KL is like sitting and watching paint dry on a wall” in reference to Rahul.
Coincidentally, Pietersen was selected to coach the Delhi Capitals team in the 18th tournament edition, when he partnered with KL Rahul. Since Pitersen made the comment, the right-hander’s batting technique has changed significantly; he has amassed 539 runs this season with a strike rate of roughly 150.
KL Rahul, however, decided not to take offence and added that Pietersen had said what he thought and had no malicious intent.
KL Rahul acknowledged that the comment inspired him to perform better.
KL Rahul told Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports, “I think it’s good to have a little bit of banter, and yeah, I mean, these were times when I still used to read and see stuff that was said about me.”
If someone tells me that I’m not capable of doing something or that I’m the most uninteresting player to watch in T20 cricket or powerplay, then there is undoubtedly a drive. When I play the following game, I mean, I have a little more in me.
“After spending a few weeks with KP [Kevin Pietersen] in the IPL, you know that they don’t mean any damage to you; it’s simply what he experienced and spoke on TV. Thus, nothing more,” he stated.
The right-handed batter went on to say that one should not take a commentator’s viewpoint personally when they express it on television.
Therefore, he concluded, “It’s been easy for me since I started seeing it that way: if someone is a commentator or a fellow cricket player has said that, obviously it’s what he’s seen and what he feels so that you don’t take it personally.”
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