India batter KL Rahul has admitted that the thought of retirement has crossed his mind, but insisted that the moment is still “some time away”. Rahul said when the time does arrive, he will not drag on, stressing that there is life beyond cricket.
Rahul opened up on the subject while speaking to former England captain Kevin Pietersen on the latter’s YouTube channel, explaining that retirement would not be a difficult decision if he is honest with himself. The 33-year-old said his perspective has evolved over the years, making it easier to accept when it is time to step away.
“I’ve thought about it. I don’t think it’s going to be that difficult…If you’re honest with yourself, when it’s time, it’s time. And there’s no point dragging it. Obviously, I’m some time away,” Rahul said.
“Just quit. Just enjoy the stuff that you’ve got and you have your family and just do that. That’s the hardest battle. So I try and tell myself that I’m not that important. Cricket in our country will carry on. Cricket in the world will carry on. There are more important things in life. Ever since I’ve had my first baby, the way you look at life is completely different,” he added.
The stylish right-hander also reflected on the mental toll of recurring injuries, admitting that those periods tested him more than the physical pain of recovery.
“There have been times when I’m injured, and I’ve been injured so many times, and that’s the hardest battle,” Rahul said.
“It’s the mental battle where your mind just gives up. When it happens so many times, your mind tells you that you’ve done enough and you can survive without cricket.”
KL Rahul still a key asset for India
Rahul was most recently in action for India in the ODI series against New Zealand, where he flaunted his value in the format with an unbeaten century in the second ODI in Rajkot. While he has not been named in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in India, his contribution in Tests and ODIs continues to be significant.
Overall, Rahul has scored 4,053 runs in 67 Tests and 3,360 runs in 94 ODIs, alongside 2,265 runs in T20Is, highlighting his impact across formats over the years.
For now, his focus remains on the present. Rahul is set to turn out for Karnataka in a must-win Ranji Trophy clash against Punjab in Mohali on Thursday, with retirement talk firmly on the back burner.
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