Star Indian batter KL Rahul has admitted that he has thought about retirement but said he is still “some time away” from making that decision.

Speaking with former England captain Kevin Pietersen, Rahul said stepping away from cricket would not be very difficult for him, as he does not see himself as too important. The 33-year-old is a regular member of India’s Test and ODI teams. He opens the batting in Tests and plays a key role at number five or six in ODIs.

Regarded as one of the most technically sound batters in world cricket, Rahul struggled with inconsistency in the early part of his career. Since around 2022, however, he has found form again and re-established himself as a key player in both formats.

“I have thought about it. I don’t think retirement will be that difficult,” Rahul said on Pietersen’s YouTube channel. “If you are honest with yourself, you know when the time has come. There is no point dragging it. But I am still some time away.”

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Changed priorities after becoming a father

Star Indian batter KL Rahul said his priorities have changed since he and his wife Athiya Shetty welcomed their first child, daughter Evaarah, last year. He explained that becoming a father has completely changed the way he looks at life and cricket.

“Just quit,” Rahul said while speaking about retirement. “Enjoy what you have and spend time with your family. I tell myself that I am not that important. Cricket in our country will go on. Cricket in the world will go on. There are more important things in life,” he said. Rahul added that after having his first baby, his mindset has changed a lot.

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma now retired from Test cricket, Rahul has become one of the senior players in a young and changing Indian team.

KL Rahul Opens Up On Injury Struggles, Criticism & Retirement 💭

Check Out This BIG Interview NOW on Our YouTube Channel, GO SUBSCRIBE! 💥 pic.twitter.com/luXLUUl5jr

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) January 26, 2026

Injuries were the hardest battle

Rahul also spoke about injuries, which affected the early part of his career. He said injuries are the hardest mental challenge for any cricketer.

“There have been many times when I got injured, and that is the toughest battle,” he said. “It is not the pain from the physio or the surgeon. It is the mental fight, where your mind starts giving up,” Rahul explained.

He added that after getting injured again and again, the mind starts saying that you have done enough and earned enough from cricket to live comfortably.