IPL 2022: KL Rahul Denies Reports Of Players Choosing IPL Over Country, Says 'Cricket Is The Winner'

KL Rahul will be leading a new franchise in Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) after parting ways with Punjab Kings (PBKS). Rahul has been one of the consistent run-scorers in the IPL with two back to back 600-plus run seasons. He will be the side’s biggest hope leading into IPL 2022. They play their first game against fellow newcomers Gujarat Titans on March 28 at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

The South African players skipping a two-Test match series to make themselves available for the entire IPL has yet again fuelled the country vs IPL debate. Several players Protean players including Quinton de Kock has also taken retirement from Test cricket to focus on his white-ball career. The LSG skipper has given his take on the debate and said that as cricketers playing the sport is what they love doing most and the country vs club debate is unwanted.

“I dont think any player will choose playing any league over their country. Country always comes first for us Outside world might think otherwise but that does change the way we think,” Rahul said to India Today.

He further said that as cricketers they give their everything for the sport and that they do not focus on matters outside the game.

“Cricket is the winner for us, cricket is what we love playing. Whatever opportunity we get whether it is playing for our country or franchise cricket, we will always give everything. We do not think beyond that one game, thats all we focus and we do not think too far ahead and plan our lives,” asserted Rahul.

KL Rahul further spoke about how IPL has played a very important role in helping the Indian cricket team achieve new heights in the white-ball formats.

Would Not Take Away What IPL Has Done For Indian Cricket: KL Rahul

“I would not take away what IPL has done for Indian cricket and where we are as a Indian team in white-ball cricket today. We must give IPL credit for the platform it has given young players, the way young players have grown and matured and testing their skills at this level and having the exposure in front of crowds” the Lucknow skipper concluded saying.

Also Read: IPL 2022: ‘Excited To Play Under Lucknow Supergiants (LSG) Skipper KL Rahul’- New Recruit Karan Sharma