'He's learning well from mentor Gautam Gambhir' - Piyush Chawla on KL Rahul's IPL 2022 captaincy

KL Rahul is enjoying a dream run in the ongoing IPL 2022 both as a captain and a batter. The Lucknow Super Giants might have suffered a humiliating 62-run defeat in the last game against the Gujarat Titans but with eight wins from 12 matches and 16 points, they are pretty much in command to make the playoffs.

Meanwhile, former India spinner Piyush Chawla has given special mention to Rahul and said that the Karnataka cricketer is learning well from LSG mentor Gautam Gambhir. Chawla said that Rahul is following Gambhir’s aggressive captaincy tactics that he used to practice during his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2011 to 2017, when he led them to two titles.

The way KL Rahul is leading the side is thrilling to watch: Piyush Chawla

“The way he’s leading the side is thrilling to watch. He is leading the Super Giants brilliantly. It’s good to see him going for the kill. He’s placing slip fielders in the 11th-12th overs and looking to finish the game early. This is something which he’s learning well from mentor Gautam Gambhir who was like this during his stint as IPL captain”, said Piyush Chawla while speaking on the Star Sports show Cricket Live.

It is to be noted that KL Rahul is leading for the third time in IPL. He had led Punjab Kings in the 2020 and 2021 editions. Reportedly, the India limited-overs specialist was in Punjab’s scheme of things for the ongoing season as well but, Rahul wanted to leave the franchise for better prospects and they obliged.

The 30-year-old has so far amassed 459 runs from 12 matches at an average of 45.90 and a strike rate of 140.37 including two centuries and as many half-centuries. He might have failed in the last game but would be eager to make amends in the next one against the Rajasthan Royals at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai on May 15.