‘It is difficult to remain true to yourself’ – KL Rahul on handling social media pressures and trolling

India’s wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul recently talked about handling the criticism from fans on social media and the importance of carrying their own personality on worldwide platforms. Rahul openly admitted that after his recent century against South Africa at the Centurion of India’s tour of South Africa there were tones of praise all over his accounts but during his difficult phase before the Asia Cup 2023, he was brutally abused. 

The attacking batter said that it is always better to stay away from social media to avoid things and getting hurt since they do affect you no matter how much you ignore them. KL Rahul has given some stellar performances since his comeback to the Indian team and has been the backbone of the squad throughout the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup 2023. 

KL Rahul on how social media affects a cricketer’s personal life

Exclusively while talking to ESPNcricinfo, KL Rahul said, “It is difficult obviously. “You have your own personality, personality traits, characteristics. When you play international cricket, they all get challenged. As a person, as a cricketer, as an individual, you are challenged each day, each moment. Social media is a pressure. Today I have scored a hundred so people are singing praises. Three-four months ago, everybody was abusing me. It’s part of the game, but I can’t say it doesn’t affect you; it does. The sooner you realise that staying away from it is good for your game and your mindset the better it is.” 

He further discussed, “You can perform or you can be in a better mindset if you slightly know where to draw the line. Nobody’s that great that they can completely avoid what has been said and the criticism they’re getting. It does affect each person. And anyone who says that doesn’t affect them at all, I’m sure is lying.” 

“But each person has to find their way. And for me, when I was injured and was away from the game for such a long time, I worked on myself. I tried to go back to the person that I am and worked on how I don’t change myself by getting affected by these things. It is difficult to remain true to yourself and true to your personality with so much happening. It is the hardest thing”, Rahul added.