(Image source from: PTI)
KL Rahul mentions that he has considered stepping away from cricket, but retirement feels far off because he is focused on immediate tasks, such as the crucial Ranji Trophy game between Karnataka and Punjab in Mohali. The Indian batsman points out that when the time for retirement arrives, he won’t try to prolong his international playing days unnecessarily. In a detailed chat on Kevin Pietersen's YouTube channel, the batter from Bengaluru shared that he has imagined that moment and hopes to embrace it peacefully, saying, "I've thought about it. I don't believe it's going to be very tough. " He added, "If you are honest with yourself, when it's time, it's time. There's no reason to drag it out. Clearly, I'm still some way from that. "
Rahul highlighted a straightforward perspective on life, stressing that personal significance is often blown out of proportion in high-level sports. This insight helps him worry less about stepping away, stating, "Just leave. Simply enjoy what you have, be with your family, and focus on that. That is the toughest battle. So I remind myself that I'm not that significant. " The wicketkeeper-batter explained that being a parent has sharpened this viewpoint since his priorities shifted after welcoming his first child. He remarked, "Cricket in our country will continue. Cricket globally will carry on. There are more crucial aspects in life, and I believe I've always understood this, but since having my first baby, the perspective on life completely changes," which, Rahul believes, leads to a more relaxed approach in making career decisions.
When discussing why KL Rahul contemplates retirement at 33, the Indian player attributed it to a lengthy list of fitness issues and the emotional toll that comes with them. He confessed, "There have been times when I’ve been injured repeatedly, and that’s the toughest challenge. It’s not just the pain from the physiotherapist or the surgeon," emphasizing that the true struggle often goes unnoticed. Rahul then described the internal dialogue that arises during extended recovery periods, noting, "It’s the mental struggle when your mind wants to give up. When these situations occur frequently, your mind starts thinking, you’ve done enough. You’ve been fortunate that cricket has provided you with sufficient income. You can manage for however many years. " These reflections, according to Rahul, occasionally push his mind toward considering life beyond cricket. While contemplating questions about his retirement, the Indian player continues to play an essential role in all formats, boasting a Test record of 4,053 runs in 67 matches with an average of 35.8, along with 3,360 runs in 94 ODIs at an average of 50.9, and a strong impact in T20Is with 2,265 runs in 72 matches, averaging 37.75 with a strike rate of 139.
KL Rahul, who doesn't consider himself a big star, seems committed to continuing his cricket career as long as his body and enthusiasm allow, but he understands that cricket is only one aspect of his life. He believes that when his performance, fitness, or passion declines, stepping away from the game will happen quietly and without fuss, even as he is currently focused on aiding Karnataka in their efforts to remain competitive in the Ranji Trophy.
