KL Rahul, India’s wicketkeeper-batter, said he is open to constructive criticism, especially about his scoring rate in white-ball cricket. Speaking to the press before India’s final Group A match against New Zealand in the KL Rahul: I Focus on the Team’s Needs, Not Critics, but Value Constructive Feedback, Rahul mentioned that he is used to criticism but has learned to handle it without letting it affect his performance.

The Karnataka player, who seems to have secured his spot in both the ODI and Test teams, said he reads and watches feedback about his game. He added that constructive criticism has helped him improve, and he takes useful feedback to improve his skills during training.

“It’s been around for years now, and I’ve grown accustomed to seeing, hearing, and reading about it. Sometimes, I take a step back and evaluate whether the criticism is justified. If, for instance, you have written something that reflects the game situation or the conditions I played in, I reflect on it. If I feel I could have played at a quicker pace, I take that into account and work towards improving,” Rahul stated.

“I don’t go into a game thinking about my strike rate or playing to satisfy external opinions. My focus is always on what’s best for the team and what I need to do in a particular situation. I may not always get it right, I will make mistakes, misjudge situations, and sometimes fail. But that’s the nature of sport.”

“As long as my intentions are right and I believe I’m making decisions that give the team the best chance to win, I can go home and sleep peacefully,” he added.

“I do read the feedback, and if I find it valid, I take it into consideration.”

Rahul has faced questions about his intent in T20 cricket since his time with Punjab Kings in the IPL. However, he appears to have settled into the right rhythm in ODI cricket, securing his place as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper over Rishabh Pant.

In the Champions Trophy so far, KL Rahul has taken up wicketkeeping duties for India, while Rishabh Pant remains on the bench.