IPL 2025: Cheteshwar Pujara feels THIS player's transfer from LSG to DC will benefit Team India

Cheteshwar Pujara (Pic: File Pic)

Having moved on from a disappointing last season with the Lucknow Super Giants, KL Rahul has been flourishing at his new franchise, the Delhi Capitals, in the ongoing IPL 2025. Veteran India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara feels that the 33-year-old's move to the Delhi Capitals has not only benefitted him but also the Indian team.

Rahul hit his third fifty of the season to lead the Capitals to a commanding eight-wicket win over LSG in Lucknow on Tuesday.

Pujara said he witnessed a more mature Rahul in the IPL 2025. His start to the season was a bit shaky, but later he gained his form. "It's good to move on, which will also help him play well for DC and even for the Indian team. Because lately, he is someone the India team also relies on, the way he's batting. Even as a person, he looks a lot more mature now, he understands his game very well. We have seen a different KL Rahul this season. When he started [against LSG], he didn't look that [fluid], but still he picked it up." Pujara said said on ESPNcricinfo's TimeOut.

Also Read: IPL 2025: KL Rahul surpasses David Warner to achieve THIS unique feat

Former England cricketer Nick Knight also remarked that Rahul's current form could be attributed to the freedom he's enjoying by not having to lead DC, emphasising that the best player doesn't always need to be the captain.

"Captaincy can do funny things to you - sometimes you thrive on it, sometimes it's a burden. Whether that's had any impact, of not being captain now, just being free and being able to play the match situation. We've got this obsession in cricket that the best player has to be captain. That's not always the case, is it? I'm not saying that's the case with KL Rahul, or even Rishabh Pant, but he's batting with so much freedom and looks relaxed in the crease," Knight said.

Supporting Rahul in the match was Abhishek Porel, who played a composed knock of 51 runs off 36 balls, which included five boundaries and a six. Powered by the knocks from Rahul and Porel, DC registered a comfortable eight-wicket victory over LSG. The Delhi Capitals will play their next IPL 2025 fixture against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 27.

(With ANI inputs)