IPL 2025: The versatile batsman KL Rahul’s improved batting style for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in the IPL 2025 could result in a comeback for the wicketkeeper-batter in India’s Twenty20 International lineup, according to coach Kevin Pietersen.

Rahul has adjusted his strategy to be the top run scorer for the Delhi Capitals this season after his intentions in the shortest format were previously questioned. The selectors have a tough choice between Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Dhruv Jurel, and Ishan Kishan for the wicket-keeper-batter position in the national side.

Rahul was criticized for playing an antiquated style of Twenty20 cricket when he played his last Twenty20 Internationals for India in the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup, scoring only 128 runs in six innings with a strike rate of 120.75.

However, Rahul has changed his T20 strategy after joining DC in the IPL 2025. His new approach is based on playing more freely and aggressively, as seen by the 364 runs he scored in eight games with an average of 60.67 and a strike rate of 146.18.

Pietersen believes he is most suited for the wicket-keeper-batter position and has done enough to merit a return.

“You guys have a lot of opening hitters, in my opinion. After DC lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets, Pietersen stated at the post-match press conference, “You have Surya, who bats at the top, and all of these guys, but the way that KL Rahul is playing cricket now, he would be my first choice to bat at four and keep wicket for India.”

Pietersen highlighted Rahul’s strong efforts in the Champions Trophy, when he amassed 140 runs at an average of 140, including a high score of 42* against Australia in Dubai, and praised Rahul for his positive outlook.

Since late to late last year, KL has been playing in a really excellent way. We saw how he completed a few matches for India and almost won the Champions Trophy in Dubai,” Pietersen said.

Rahul himself spoke about his newfound attitude to the T20 format at the beginning of the season. Pietersen, one of the finest hitters to have played for England, was greatly influenced by Rahul’s recent ODI cricket exploits for India in addition to his outstanding IPL success.

“I’ve had a lot of incredibly brilliant conversations with him about batting – a lot of deep and meaningful conversations because when you grow up as a youngster like he did and you get taught defence, elbow up, play in the V and then all of a sudden in your thirties, you’ve got to change it and you’ve got to become a different kind of player for a different format which is evolving all the time,” the DC coach continued.

It’s very, really challenging. As a result, his acceptance of the fact that he needed to change and his subsequent transformation are quite commendable. He exudes positivity in all aspects of his training, practice, and coaching, as well as in his thoughts and speech about the game. KL is that,” he continued.

Pietersen acknowledged that batting first was difficult because of the pitch’s dryness and believed that pursuing was the best course of action after DC scored 162/8, the lowest first innings total here since the 2024 Indian Premier League.

Before facing the unpredictable Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Tuesday, DC will have only one day off to recuperate, and Pietersen believes the team hasn’t yet performed flawlessly in every way.

“Once again, our bowling lineup is excellent. We have a very extensive hitting lineup, and I believe that it all depends on the opponent.

Given the players and squad that Bangalore is, this evening’s matchup is definitely a better pitch to play them against. On Tuesday, however, I’m praying that’s not the surface we got here against KKR. The benefit of playing at home, in my opinion, is that things may change,” he said.