Archive · 18 Nov 2025
KL Rahul: IPL Captaincy More Draining Than International Cricket
KL Rahul, a famous cricket player, says being the captain of an IPL team is much harder than playing for his country.
He has to explain lots of things to the team owners, who might not understand cricket as well as players do.
This makes him feel very tired, both in his mind and body.
He also thinks that coaches in international cricket understand the game better, so they don't need as much explaining.
After playing for LSG and having a disagreement with the owner, he was bought by another team but chose not to be the captain.
KL Rahul finds explaining decisions to IPL owners mentally and physically draining.
He cited frequent meetings and questions from owners with non-sporting backgrounds.
Rahul feels this is more demanding than international cricket, where coaches understand the game better.
He previously captained LSG and PBKS in the IPL and recently left LSG after a public disagreement with the owner.
Rahul was bought by Delhi Capitals after IPL 2024 but chose not to lead the team in IPL 2025.
- Who
- KL Rahul
- What
- Stated that explaining decisions to IPL owners is more mentally and physically draining than international cricket.
- When
- Recently, reflecting on his IPL captaincy experiences, particularly after his tenure with LSG.
- Where
- In an interaction on the Humans of Bombay YouTube Channel.
- Why
- Due to the frequent meetings, reviews, and need to explain cricketing decisions to owners from non-sporting backgrounds, unlike in international cricket where coaches understand the sport's nuances.
KL Rahul's View
IPL Ownership's Potential View
Explaining Decisions to Owners
KL Rahul's View
Rahul finds it mentally and physically draining to constantly explain cricketing decisions to IPL owners who may not have a sporting background.
IPL Ownership's Potential View
Owners might feel the need to understand team strategies and decisions to justify their investment and seek accountability.
Nature of Questions Asked
KL Rahul's View
He feels that questions from owners about performance, player selection, and game strategy are more frequent and probing than those from coaches or selectors in international cricket.
IPL Ownership's Potential View
Ownership may believe that their inquiries are standard business practice for ensuring the team's success and financial viability.
- Player
- KL Rahul
- League
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Teams Captained in IPL
- Punjab Kings (PBKS), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Duration of IPL Captaincy
- LSG (2022-2024)
- Context of Remarks
- Following a public feud with LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka and his departure from the franchise.
- New Team After LSG
- Delhi Capitals
Sources
KL Rahul opens up on captaincy challenges in IPL; ‘hard to explain to people who come from a non-sporting background’
Year After Sanjiv Goenka Feud, KL Rahul Slams IPL Team Owners - 'More Draining Than International Cricket'
KL Rahul takes indirect dig at Sanjiv Goenka: 'People who come from a non-sporting background'
