New Delhi: KL Rahul, who recently embraced fatherhood, has joined his new IPL franchise, the Delhi Capitals, after missing the season opener against the Lucknow Super Giants. In a light-hearted moment captured on video, Rahul showcased his playful side by hilariously mimicking former England captain and current DC mentor, Kevin Pietersen, leaving the entire team in splits.
The viral video, which has been widely shared across social media platforms, captures Rahul’s impeccable imitation of Pietersen’s distinctive mannerisms and accent. Pietersen himself couldn’t contain his laughter, adding to the jovial atmosphere within the squad as they prepare for their upcoming match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 30 in Visakhapatnam.
Rahul, who missed the Delhi Capitals’ first game of the season due to the birth of his first child with Bollywood actress Athiya Shetty, was granted special leave by the franchise. The couple welcomed a baby girl on Monday, marking a joyous personal milestone for Rahul before he rejoined his team.
Acquired by Delhi Capitals for a hefty Rs 12 crore in the IPL mega auction, Rahul is set to make his debut for the franchise. Previously, he captained the Lucknow Super Giants for three seasons before parting ways. In preparation for the IPL, Rahul honed his skills under the guidance of India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, in Mumbai.
Despite his absence from India’s T20I squad, Rahul remains in top form, having played a pivotal role in India’s recent Champions Trophy victory in Dubai. The wicketkeeper-batsman has expressed his ambition to reclaim his spot in the national T20I side, and a strong performance in the IPL could significantly boost his chances.