\"The auction was a nerve-wracking experience. As a player, not knowing which team you will end up with is never easy. Over the years, I\u2019ve seen how unpredictable auctions can be\u2014there\u2019s no fixed pattern to how things unfold. Having been a captain for the last three seasons, I have been actively involved in the process of building a team,\" said Rahul to JioHotstar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI understand the kind of pressure franchises face when assembling a squad. But from a player's perspective, it\u2019s even tougher because your career is at stake. The auction can shape a player's future or present unexpected challenges. I was definitely nervous, even a little anxious. But at the same time, I knew this was the right step for my career. There was excitement too, though it didn\u2019t last very long because reality sets in quickly.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI\u2019m really happy to be joining Delhi Capitals. Parth Jindal, the team\u2019s owner, is a close friend, and we have spent a lot of time outside of cricket discussing various things. I know how passionate he is about the sport, and I\u2019m thrilled to be a part of this team. We have a strong squad, and I\u2019m looking forward to the season ahead,\" he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Quizzed about the likely team combination DC could field in IPL 2025, Rahul said, \"This will be a new experience for me\u2014joining a new franchise, possibly my fourth or fifth team in the IPL. I feel both excited and a little nervous. Every time you step into a new team environment, a lot of thoughts cross your mind\u2014how the players will be, how the owners run the team, how the fans will respond\u2014all of that.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSo, it's a mix of emotions. Looking at the squad and how the management has built the team, it looks like a well-balanced side with most areas covered. There\u2019s a great combination of experienced players and young talent, and I\u2019m excited to play alongside some incredibly skilled youngsters and learn from them as well. With players like Mitchell Starc, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav, many of whom I have played with before, we have a solid squad. I can\u2019t wait for the IPL to begin.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Quizzed about his preferred batting position in IPL 2025, Rahul, who previously led Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, remarked, \"I have grown up playing in the top order. From my first competitive match in Mangalore at the age of 11 to my early days playing for India and for most of my career, I have been a top-order batter.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt is the position I am most comfortable in and the one that feels most natural to me. That said, when you play a team sport, you don\u2019t always get to choose what you want. You have to be flexible and willing to adapt to the team\u2019s needs. Over the years, I\u2019ve learned to embrace that and give my best in whichever role I\u2019m assigned.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahul signed off by reflecting on his journey in international cricket, which recently saw him win the Champions Trophy with the Indian team, where his calm-headed finishing knocks proved to be a key factor. \"It has been an incredible journey\u2014what a privilege it is to represent my country and live my dream for so many years. Playing for India is something I aspired to do since childhood, and I feel extremely grateful and fortunate to have had this opportunity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe journey has been filled with challenges\u2014there have been highs and lows, and I have experienced everything an athlete possibly can. But looking back, it has been a beautiful ride, and I wouldn\u2019t want it any other way.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Rahul signed off by reflecting on his journey in international cricket, which recently saw him win the Champions Trophy with the Indian team, where his calm-headed finishing knocks proved to be a key factor. \"It has been an incredible journey\u2014what a privilege it is to represent my country and live my dream for so many years. Playing for India is something I aspired to do since childhood, and I feel extremely grateful and fortunate to have had this opportunity,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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