'It's like now or never' - Aakash Chopra speaks about KL Rahul's biggest challenge as captain

The Indian Premier League (IPL)2022 starts on March 26 and India’s star player KL Rahul is all set to lead the debut team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Rahul was drafted by LSG ahead of the mega auction this year, as he parted ways with Punjab Kings (PBKS), and was named the skipper of the team. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has shared his views on Rahul’s duties and challenges this IPL season, both as a batter and as a skipper.

Chopra further stated that Rahul will have an opportunity to flourish and execute his skills flawlessly as LSG has roped in Andy Flower as head coach and former India batter Gautam Gambhir as the mentor of the team. This will turn into an occasion for the skipper to showcase his abilities to perfection. Chopra praised the skipper’s abilities to perform, and also the coach and mentor’s expertise to shape and mold the players.

‘You’re a good captain, a phenomenal player, get the best out of yourself’ – Aakash Chopra on KL Rahul

“When you look at Rahul, he is a clean slate. In Punjab Kings, he was playing a bit slow because the team was like that. You were drafted in by LSG, and the squad must have been built according to you. So now, you have to play more freely. This is your challenge. It’s like now or never. You’ve got to prove your captaincy credentials now,” Chopra remarked in a video on his YouTube channel.

“Now play freely. This is now or never, do or die. This is what matters, Gautam Gambhir and Andy Flower will be there, two good brains. You are a good captain, you are a phenomenal player, get the best out of yourself,” Chopra added.

Given that Rahul has been designated as Rohit Sharma’s deputy, Chopra also stated that the former is potentially India’s next skipper. He went on to say that the IPL 2022 is the finest chance for the 29-year-old to establish himself as a captain and prove his expertise.

LSG will play their maiden game at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Monday, March 28 against fellow debutants Gujarat Titans.

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