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I ndian wicket-keeper batter and Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul spoke about how he joined his first IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2012 at 19. Rahul has been a certified legend in the IPL as he has racked up 4367 runs in 124 games at an average of 45 and a strike rate of 134.62.
Rahul made his IPL debut in 2013 and has since played for teams like RCB, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings and now the Lucknow Super Giants. Reflecting on this incredible career with fellow India international R Ashwin, on his YouTube channel, Rahul disclosed how cricketing great Virat Kohli and RCB team manager Avinash Vaidhya approached him.
It's not an option, just sign this contract: KL Rahul
Rahul said, "Virat was there (ITC Gardenia), coach Ray Jennings and other support staff were also there and Virat only said, 'Would you want to sign this contract and play for RCB?' I was like, 'Are you kidding? It was always my dream.' And then he said 'I'm just kidding. It's not an option, just sign this contract.' I signed and Virat said 'It's gonna be a crazy ride. You're going to enjoy a lot in the next couple of months.'"
I gained so much knowledge and experience: KL Rahul
KL Rahul also opened up about his learnings during his first stint in the IPL. The LSG captain said, "The things that I learned (at RCB) in those two months, I mean the amount of time it would have taken me to be the player by playing just Ranji Trophy would have probably taken it 7-8 seasons. Those two months in the IPL I gained so much knowledge and experience and everything was fast-forwarded."