<p class="title">Kings XI Punjab batsman KL Rahul said opening the batting along side an in-form Chris Gayle has made his life easier as opposition bowlers are always focused on the big-hitting West Indian, which gives him time to build his innings.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Rahul said he is enjoying his cricket now and learning from his flamboyant team-mate Gayle, who "always plays with a big smile on his face and is a complete entertainer."</p>.<p class="bodytext">"He is the most destructive T20 opener in the world. It is a privilege to open the batting with him and it makes my life so much easier," Rahul told PTI.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"When the opposition bowling is focusing on him, that takes a little bit pressure out of me. I can just take my time and I can enjoy my cricket," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The stylish India batsman, who has so far scored 268 runs from seven IPL games at a strike rate of 170.70, said he is used to Gayle's company as they have played together for a few years at Royal Challengers Bangalore previously.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"We have played together for a few years at RCB and now we are together. We enjoy each other's company. He is a great human being. So much fun to be around. A complete entertainer," Rahul said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Chris is always playing the game with a big smile on his face. And he enjoys entertaining the crowd even when under pressure. I think when the opposition is up against him they are always under pressure," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Rahul said at present he is enjoying his batting but there is always scope for improvement.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I am very happy with the way I have been batting, the way I have been hitting the ball. But, obviously there is always scope for improvement. I have got a couple of 50s but I feel like I should have closed a couple of games and stayed not out at the end. That is the thing I am looking to improve in the second half of IPL," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Asked whether being in and out of the ODI squad has affected his confidence, Rahul said he knew opportunities would come his way.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Look I am only trying to improve as a player with each tournament, each game, each opportunity. I am not really thinking about what is going to happen in future or after the IPL or my position in the team.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I am just enjoying my cricket. I want to be there. I am in good space. I know opportunities will come my way. I have to be patient, keep performing and be consistent," he said.</p>
<p class="title">Kings XI Punjab batsman KL Rahul said opening the batting along side an in-form Chris Gayle has made his life easier as opposition bowlers are always focused on the big-hitting West Indian, which gives him time to build his innings.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Rahul said he is enjoying his cricket now and learning from his flamboyant team-mate Gayle, who "always plays with a big smile on his face and is a complete entertainer."</p>.<p class="bodytext">"He is the most destructive T20 opener in the world. It is a privilege to open the batting with him and it makes my life so much easier," Rahul told PTI.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"When the opposition bowling is focusing on him, that takes a little bit pressure out of me. I can just take my time and I can enjoy my cricket," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">The stylish India batsman, who has so far scored 268 runs from seven IPL games at a strike rate of 170.70, said he is used to Gayle's company as they have played together for a few years at Royal Challengers Bangalore previously.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"We have played together for a few years at RCB and now we are together. We enjoy each other's company. He is a great human being. So much fun to be around. A complete entertainer," Rahul said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Chris is always playing the game with a big smile on his face. And he enjoys entertaining the crowd even when under pressure. I think when the opposition is up against him they are always under pressure," he added.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Rahul said at present he is enjoying his batting but there is always scope for improvement.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I am very happy with the way I have been batting, the way I have been hitting the ball. But, obviously there is always scope for improvement. I have got a couple of 50s but I feel like I should have closed a couple of games and stayed not out at the end. That is the thing I am looking to improve in the second half of IPL," he said.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Asked whether being in and out of the ODI squad has affected his confidence, Rahul said he knew opportunities would come his way.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"Look I am only trying to improve as a player with each tournament, each game, each opportunity. I am not really thinking about what is going to happen in future or after the IPL or my position in the team.</p>.<p class="bodytext">"I am just enjoying my cricket. I want to be there. I am in good space. I know opportunities will come my way. I have to be patient, keep performing and be consistent," he said.</p>