Rahul explains that therapy changed the way he connects with himself. Earlier, he struggled to express emotions and carried every failure like a burden. Through therapy, he learned to recognise unhealthy patterns and rebuild confidence. He also learned how to cope with negativity and public scrutiny. According to him, mental clarity directly improved his performance and relationships.

He talks openly about the impact of online criticism. He says harsh comments once affected him deeply, especially during tough phases. Over time, he built emotional resilience and stopped letting outside noise define him. This shift helped him approach cricket with a healthier mindset.

Rahul also shares how life outside cricket keeps him grounded. Time with loved ones, small routines, and meaningful conversations give him strength during stressful periods. He emphasises that athletes must create identities beyond their sport, because emotional balance shapes long-term success.

The show Like an Athlete aims to highlight what athletes face behind the spotlight. Rahul’s episode sets the tone by showing that vulnerability and courage can coexist. He encourages younger players to seek help early, talk openly, and treat mental health as an essential part of training.

With this conversation, Rahul hopes more athletes will feel comfortable acknowledging struggles and embracing support systems.

The post KL Rahul Opens Up on Therapy, Criticism and Life Beyond Cricket appeared first on India Podcast.

The gathering offered players a welcome break after their dominant win in the opening Test in Ahmedabad. Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul were among those present. Members of the coaching team and other players also joined, enjoying a relaxed evening filled with laughter and conversation.

BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla attended the dinner, adding a formal touch to the celebration. Sources described the mood as cheerful and engaging, with discussions on both their recent success and upcoming challenges. The event highlighted strong team bonding under Gambhir’s leadership.

Gambhir’s thoughtful gesture has been praised across the cricket community for fostering unity and trust. As Team India prepares for the decisive Delhi Test, morale remains high, and the players aim to clinch a 2–0 series win over the visitors.

The post Gautam Gambhir Hosts Team India Dinner Ahead of Delhi Test appeared first on India Podcast.

The players omitted include prominent names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, and Prasidh Krishna, all of whom are part of India’s central contract list. This decision comes despite a clear directive from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) urging the inclusion of centrally contracted players in domestic tournaments.

South Zone selectors, however, have justified their selections, focusing on rewarding exceptional performances in domestic cricket. They argue that players from Kerala and other smaller states have earned their spot in the squad due to consistent performances in recent domestic tournaments. According to South Zone officials, this move will provide more opportunities to emerging talents who might otherwise be overshadowed by contracted players.

The BCCI, while expressing disappointment over the omission, has emphasized the importance of including all available players to maintain the prestige of the Duleep Trophy. This decision has sparked a debate about balancing talent development with BCCI’s regulatory framework.

The post South Zone Excludes Contracted Players from Duleep Trophy Squad, Defying BCCI Directive appeared first on India Podcast.