Rahul sacrifices his fifty; fans relieved Hardik Pandya wasn’t at the crease
February 21, 2025: KL Rahul’s Sacrifice Wins Internet’s Heart
During India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh, KL Rahul’s selfless act of prioritizing Shubman Gill’s century over his own fifty won widespread praise. Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 47, ensured Gill had enough strike to complete his 8th ODI hundred, helping India seal a six-wicket win.
KL Rahul sacrificed his fifty for Virat Kohli in World Cup 2023 and again for Shubham Gill today. Why you're so selfless KL
— KLfy (@we_are_ahea) February 20, 2025
pic.twitter.com/XrqF4CuXFR
Fans, however, couldn’t help but recall Hardik Pandya’s past ‘selfish’ finishes, fearing that had he been next in line, Gill might have been denied his milestone. The discussion stemmed from a 2023 West Indies match where Pandya hit the winning shot while Tilak Varma was stranded on 49, drawing criticism.
Thank you KL Rahul for not getting out and not letting Hardik Pandya bat 🙇♂️ pic.twitter.com/G6TdDhccJt
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) February 20, 2025
Social Media Reactions & Major Match Highlights
Also Read: Shubman Gill Primed For Long-Term Success, Says Manjrekar
- Fans hailed Rahul’s composure and selflessness, contrasting it with Pandya’s past finishes.
- Gill’s 101 off 117 balls*, with 11 fours and 2 sixes, was the standout knock as he anchored the chase.
- Rohit Sharma crossed 11,000 ODI runs, contributing a brisk 41 off 36 balls.
- Mohammed Shami became the fastest to 200 ODI wickets, taking 5/53 in a match-winning effort.
- Bangladesh recovered from 35/5 thanks to Towhid Hridoy’s maiden ODI ton (100) and Jaker Ali’s 68, posting a fighting 228 all out.
Hardik Pandya bhai kuch seekho KL Rahul bhai se 👀
— Cricket Pe Charcha 24×7 (@cpc24x7) February 20, 2025
KL Rahul – the ultimate team player! 🙌
He sacrificed his fifty for Virat Kohli in World Cup 2023 and again for Shubman Gill today. 🏏👏#KLRahul | #ShubmanGill | #INDvBAN #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/NVeB8LdyxB
With a high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash up next, all eyes will be on India’s senior stars and their performances in Dubai’s spin-friendly conditions.
Achha hua KL tha. Agar Hardik Pandya hota toh… https://t.co/UBNtYrN6QB
— Nihari Korma (@NihariVsKorma) February 21, 2025
Tags:
KL Rahul sacrifice, Shubman Gill century, India vs Bangladesh 2025, Hardik Pandya finishing controversy, Champions Trophy 2025, India cricket updates, Mohammed Shami 200 wickets, Rohit Sharma 11000 runs, Shubman Gill ODI record, India vs Pakistan preview, ICC Champions Trophy news.