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"If One Of Us Had...": KL Rahul Reveals Heartbreak That Bites Him And Virat Kohli

Soumyajit Dutta

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli [Source: @crictipsdotcom/Instagram.com]KL Rahul and Virat Kohli [Source: @crictipsdotcom/Instagram.com]

KL Rahul recently reflected on one of his most lingering IPL regrets, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s heartbreaking eight-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2016 final. The loss also affected Kohli, who was the captain of the franchise then.

Speaking to Star Sports, the cricketer revisited the campaign where RCB, after languishing at the bottom early, scripted a stunning turnaround with seven consecutive wins to reach the title clash. 

KL Rahul On 2016 Defeat That Still Haunts

Chasing 209 in the final, RCB fell agonizingly short at 200/7, despite strong starts from Rahul and skipper Virat Kohli, a memory that still haunts the duo.

KL Rahul emphasized how the loss remains a recurring topic of discussion with Kohli, given the near-fairytale narrative they missed. The match, played at RCB’s home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, could have been a historic triumph had either batter anchored the chase longer. 

“Virat and I have spoken about it many times. If one of us had played a little longer and won that game, it would have been very different. And winning an IPL is so special,” Rahul said. 

He recalled the team’s resilience that season praising the team's mindset and how he pulled off a near-impossible task. 

“That 2016 season was very special for RCB. We were at the bottom of the table and had to win seven games in a row to qualify, and we did. We went on to win the eliminator and made it to the final.”

Despite contributing 11 (9 balls) and Kohli’s 54 (35), their dismissals derailed the chase. 

“If one of us had stayed longer, it could have been a very different story. Winning at home in Chinnaswamy would have been unforgettable,” Rahul mused.

KL Rahul On The 'RCB-Effect'

Beyond the regret, Rahul credited his RCB stint for transforming his career. Joining as a rookie, he initially doubted his white-ball abilities but found inspiration in teammates Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, and Chris Gayle. 

“Watching how Virat, AB, and Chris trained and approached the game was the best learning experience. I picked up so much from them — from fitness to mental toughness,” he shared. 

Kohli’s fitness discipline particularly motivated him to prioritize training, boosting his consistency. 

Reflecting on his growth, Rahul mentioned that from the 2014-15 season onwards, he began to believe in his ability to succeed in white-ball cricket as well, crediting RCB for playing a key role in shaping his international career.