News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th August 2024
KL Rahul, the star Indian cricketer and captain of the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has recently shared insights into his plans for life after cricket, acknowledging the fleeting nature of a sports career. The 32-year-old athlete has come to terms with the reality that retirement is on the horizon and is proactively preparing for his future beyond the sport.
Rahul’s sense of urgency regarding retirement became particularly pronounced on his 30th birthday. Reflecting on his career, he admitted that the realization of cricket’s ephemeral nature struck him deeply. “There is no insecurity, but there is a feeling that all this ends, and for me it ends very quickly,” Rahul shared in a podcast with Nikhil Kamath, also featuring Kriti Sanon and Badhsah. He noted that while athletes can continue playing at the IPL level well into their late 30s, international cricket demands peak performance, which inevitably has a shorter shelf life.
The Lucknow Super Giants captain emphasized that although players like MS Dhoni have extended their careers well into their 40s, the international stage presents unique challenges that limit longevity. Rahul confessed that the realization of his career’s finite nature brought a sense of anxiety, particularly after turning 30. “Till I was 29, I could not see that. Some weird thing happened on my 30th birthday. I could see I have 10 more years to play cricket, and that gave me anxiety,” he said. This awareness has driven him to face the reality that his cricketing journey will eventually conclude.
Acknowledging the financial implications of retirement, Rahul has begun to focus on securing his post-cricket life. He revealed that he is actively exploring business ventures and investments to ensure stability after his career ends. “I don’t know. That is part of the reason I have started thinking about businesses and investing my money right,” Rahul explained. His proactive approach was partly inspired by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which provided him with the time and opportunity to evaluate his financial future more carefully.
Rahul admitted that managing finances and planning for life after cricket were new experiences for him, as his family did not have prior experience with such matters. The pandemic allowed him to dedicate time to learning about investment strategies and business planning, an essential step in preparing for a significant career transition.
As Rahul continues to excel in cricket, his foresight and preparation for retirement reflect a thoughtful approach to managing the end of a professional sports career. His insights not only shed light on the challenges faced by athletes but also highlight the importance of strategic planning for life beyond the spotlight.
