An open letter to KL Rahul
KL Rahul faces another single digit dismissal [Source: Associated Press]
Dear KL Rahul,
It all started for you when you were 10. A love was instilled in you for the game. Your journey was nothing less than a soaring eagle cutting through the clouds. It was a fast uphill run for you, you were quick to cement your place in one of the best cricket teams in the world. You still are one of the most supported players in history. To have the management believe in you to this extent is an accomplishment in itself. You must have done something so right.
But things started to take a turn for the worse in 2022. Failure followed one after the other. I know the feeling all too well; when cricket is no longer about enjoying yourself, when cricket only reminds you of how you're not good enough. When dejection is the only feeling you know. When you're standing in the wake of devastation. When you're at the edge of the undecided. When you feel like you're at a place where no one else seems to be at. You're there, all alone.
When people start referring to you as 'wasted potential'. When everyone starts talking about how 'talented' you were.
I hate that word; talented. It reminds me of everything that can't be done, everything that cannot be achieved, it puts you in a box. It's a label that turns like the tide, you never know what it can become; a beautiful wave flush of life at sunrise or a riptide that pulls you into the world of nothingness.
I know what it's like to go through days like these, when nothing is wrong but nothing goes right. You can't tell what where you're going wrong. It's a pain deep in the pit of your gut that you don't know how to get rid of.
People, pundits & experts have a lot to say about you; your place in the squad, the way you hold your bat or the way you step out of the crease. They seem to know everything while you feel like you don't know anything.
It doesn't take long for these voices to start echoing in your head. To them it may seem like you're taking everything for granted, that you're holding up the line. But I know you're grateful, for every supporting hand, for every positive word spoken and for every person that pushes you further.
Every cricketer goes through a phase of tumult. You know what they say, "it's part and parcel of the game". But sometimes you can't help but think you've been dealt the worst hand.
Maybe it is time for you to take a step back and give yourself time. There's nothing wrong with it. Sometimes you have to be forgotten to make a solid comeback. Let time take its course and lead you to your destiny.
Sincerely,
A cricket fan
 "Gargi Raut")
