KL Rahul, the star Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, has polarized opinion regarding his playing over the years. While he has earned praise for his efforts, Rahul has also been the target of some despicable harassment on social media on his off days.
With a magnificent century in the present Test against South Africa at Centurion, the right-hander silenced his detractors. Instead of responding to his haters, KL Rahul believes in letting his bat do all of the talking.
KL Rahul was asked whether he ever felt like calling out haters on social media after the completion of play on Day 2 (December 27) when addressing the media. He replied:
“What will I achieve [by] doing that? Logon ko jo bolna hoga bolenge [People will say what they want to]. If you are a public performer, performance is your only yardstick to stay away from criticism.”
KL Rahul
KL Rahul further added:
“One who is hailing me today was abusing me some months back. Anyone who says he isn’t affected by comments on social media is lying. But the more you stay away, the better it is for your mindset.”
KL Rahul
Rahul scored 101 runs in 137 balls against South Africa after arriving at the crease in a critical position for his team.
I worked on myself as a person: KL Rahul
KL Rahul has been in superb form since he resumed play after a lengthy injury he got in IPL 2023. After scoring a ton against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, his phenomenal performance in the 2023 World Cup, and now with a hundred in Centurion, he’s truly on a roll.
Rahul acknowledged that he worked hard on himself as a person when he was away from the game. In response, he stated:
“When you play international cricket, you are not only challenged as a player but also as a person because you have a personality. So, when I was away from the game, I worked on myself as a person. Obviously, there were people to help me.”
KL Rahul
Rahul’s impressive century let India score a decent 245. Yet, the Proteas exceeded by 11 runs at the close of Day 2, with five wickets spared.