K. L. Rahul: I am quite talkative

Rahul spoke about the favourite moment from his last tour to the island nation, his sporting and cricketing idols and his secret talent.

Rahul... Personalities that truly inspire me are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Conor McGregor.

After missing out on major tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL), the ICC Champions Trophy, which would have been his first ICC event, and the West Indies tour due to an aggravated shoulder injury, India’s opening batsman, K. L. Rahul is all set for return to the Test squad after a hiatus of four months. And, the Karnataka batsman is geared up for another tour to Sri Lanka.

In a chat with Sportstar ahead of Sunday’s Red Bull Match Up — where fans can meet and train with him and get to test their knowledge about how well they know the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) cricketer on the event website — Rahul spoke about the favourite moment from his last tour to the island nation, his sporting and cricketing idols and his secret talent.

Excerpts:

Question: Someone you would go to when you are in doubt.

Answer: Myself. If it is about cricket, then my coach, Mr. Jayaraj.

Most memorable innings.

The Test win against Australia is my most memorable victory. Century in Miami is my most memorable innings.

One cricket ground you would like to play at.

The Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Favourite cricket ground.

Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore.

Favourite moment from previous Sri Lanka tour.

Century at the P. Sara Oval on the opening day of the second Test against Sri Lanka.

Best friend in the national team.

Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay.

Prankster in the team from whom you would keep away.

Ishant Sharma.

Sporting idol

Personalities that truly inspire me are Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Conor McGregor.

Cricketing idol.

AB de Villiers is my favourite cricketer of all time. Virat Kohli is also my cricket idol.

How do you unwind?

Music and play a different sport. Love playing football.

Biggest off-field accomplishment.

State award for the best Percentile for a Sportsman.

One thing that people don't know about you.

That I am quite talkative.

Favourite Movie.

All Batman movies.

Favourite Song.

Currently — Mask off (Future). All-time — Remember the Name (Fort Minor).

Favourite Karaoke song.

Numb by Linkin Park.

Favourite Destination.

Greece.

Favourite Book.

Life without limits by Nick Vujicic.

Secret Talent.

I can make a mean cocktail.

Secret Crush.

Disha Patani.

If not a cricketer, then what would you have been?

I'd probably be the best in another sport.

Funny nicknames you have been given.

Moi.