'I Wanted Freedom to Play' - KL Rahul

 KL Rahul Eyes T20I Comeback with Big IPL 2025 Season

KL Rahul, one of India’s most accomplished batters in the shortest format of the game, is setting his sights on a T20I return following his absence from the national squad. The 32-year-old has not played a T20I for India since November 2022, when he was part of the team during the T20 World Cup in Australia. Despite his achievements, including being the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in T20Is, Rahul has struggled to secure a spot in the team after India’s disappointing exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup.

With the upcoming IPL 2025 on the horizon, Rahul, who was not retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the next season, is determined to use the platform to rediscover his best form and make a strong case for his return to India’s T20I setup. In a recent interview, Rahul expressed his clarity on where he stands as a player, acknowledging the challenges he faces and the work needed to regain his place in the national team.

“I’ve been out of the T20 team for a while, and I know where I stand as a player and what I need to do to get back. So, I look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket, and my aim is to obviously get back into the T20 team,” Rahul stated in a video shared by Star Sports.

KL Rahul’s T20I Legacy

Rahul's record in T20Is is impressive, with 2265 runs from 72 matches, including multiple centuries. He is one of only four Indian batters to have scored more than one century in T20 internationals. Despite this, his form during the 2022 T20 World Cup came under intense scrutiny, particularly after India's embarrassing semi-final loss to England, where Rahul’s batting performance was criticized. Following that setback, he was dropped from the T20I team, with the selectors opting for fresh faces such as Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma in his place.

The IPL 2025: A Platform for Redemption

Now, with his future in the shortest format of the game hanging in the balance, Rahul is turning to the IPL 2025 as a potential turning point. He believes a strong showing in the upcoming season could secure his spot back in the T20I squad for India. The IPL has often proven to be a great platform for players to showcase their skills and make an impact on selectors, and Rahul is determined to capitalize on the opportunity to impress both the team management and the selectors.

What’s Next for KL Rahul?

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on KL Rahul to see if he can recapture his best form and make a successful comeback to the Indian T20I squad. With his experience, ability to score under pressure, and proven track record, Rahul certainly has the potential to make his case for a recall.

For Rahul, it’s not just about a successful IPL season—it’s about proving to the Indian selectors and fans alike that he still has much to offer in the T20 format.

Gautam Gambhir’s Press Conference

Gautam Gambhir’s Press Conference: Key Talking Points Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, found himself in the spotlight following the team's disappointing 0-3 loss against New Zealand. With the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy looming large, Gambhir’s press conference on Monday became a crucial moment for the coach, where he addressed several pressing concerns about the team.

One of the biggest talking points was Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first Test. Rohit, who has been struggling with form recently, is a key figure in the Indian team, and his fitness and form are essential for the team’s success in the series. Gambhir also faced questions on the poor form of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have been under the microscope for their lack of consistent performances.

Despite the intense scrutiny, Gambhir maintained his characteristic frankness. Known for his straightforward responses, the former opening batter did not hesitate to address any of the tough questions thrown at him, providing sharp and direct answers. His ability to handle the pressure of the media spotlight was on full display.

However, the heat on Gambhir is rising, with reports suggesting that he might be replaced by VVS Laxman as the Test coach if Team India's poor performances continue, particularly in the upcoming series against Australia. The intense pressure has led to several suggestions, including one from former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who advised the BCCI to have Gambhir take a step back from media interactions, suggesting that individuals like Rohit Sharma or Ajit Agarkar might be better suited for the role of addressing the media.

Gambhir’s no-nonsense attitude during the 15-minute press interaction made headlines, and while he stood his ground, the mounting pressure on him cannot be ignored. The next few months will be crucial for both Gambhir and the Indian team as they look to bounce back and perform in the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.