NEW DELHI: Two seasons with Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League and KL Rahul has already taken the franchise to play-offs twice.
But before joining LSG, Rahul had captained Punjab Kings for a couple of seasons but could not take them to the knock-outs.
The right-hand batter, who has also captained India, recently shed light on his struggles as a leader, pointing out that he did make a few mistakes early in his captaincy days.
Rahul credited his current success as leader to trusting his instincts, something he said he didn't do enough in his initial days as a leader.
Rahul feels he has struck the right balance between backing his gut and listening to the advice of the team management.
"Building a team is about players you pick, key positions you can't afford to miss in the auction. First few years of me captaining, I am not shy to admit, I made a few mistakes as well," he said on fellow India teammate R Ashwin's Youtube channel.
Rahul is currently working with head coach Justin Langer and has teamed up with Anil Kumble and Andy Flower in the past.
"There is so much information coming as you captain. Which one to take and which one to not and see you have a gut feel which is against what the coaches are saying.
"Initially, it was hard to go against that as culturally we are taught to respect the elders. Somehow things did not go according to plan and I was not being able to sleep. I have realised you need to build the trust and bond not only with the players but also with the coaches. We both want the same thing."
Asked to talk about the leadership styles of current India skipper Rohit Sharma and predecessor Virat Kohli, Rahul said: "Rohit brought sense of calmness in the dressing room. The passion remains the same. It also helps that people have understood their roles and have had enough time to adjust to those roles.
"Virat had already set the benchmark on how to be on the field and Rohit carried on with a bit of calmness," said Rahul.
He also labelled MS Dhoni and Kane Williamson as the true gentlemen of the game.
(With inputs from PTI)
