After playing a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph, KL Rahul reflects on his adaptability, mindset, and preparation for handling pressure situations.
Dubai [UAE], March 10: Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul credited his recent success in India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win to a simple yet effective mantra: “Watch and learn.”
Rahul, who played a pivotal role in India’s four-wicket victory over New Zealand in the final, has reinvented himself in a new batting role under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching era. The 32-year-old has adapted to a middle-order role at No. 6, offering stability and finishing games with a calm and calculated approach.
“I have always believed cricket is a team game, and whatever the team requires of you, you need to be able to do that. You have to accept that role, understand the responsibility, and find a way to contribute,” Rahul told reporters.
Calm Under Pressure: Rahul’s Crucial Knock in the Final
With 252 runs to chase, India seemed in trouble after losing Shreyas Iyer (48) and Axar Patel (29) in quick succession. However, Rahul (34 off 33 balls) held his nerve*, guiding the team to victory alongside Ravindra Jadeja (12)* in the tense final moments.
It was yet another clutch performance from Rahul, following his heroics in the semi-final against Australia, where he sealed the game with a six in the final over.
A New Role, A New Rahul
Traditionally an opener, Rahul was assigned the No. 6 spot, allowing Axar Patel to bat at five for added batting depth. Despite the shift, he excelled in the role, adapting his approach to different match scenarios.
In five matches, Rahul amassed 140 runs at an astonishing average of 140.00 and a strike rate of 97.90, proving his effectiveness as India’s crisis man.
“It requires a lot of preparation and work off the field—just sitting, analyzing, and learning how successful middle-order players approach their game. I watch, learn, and try to execute my role. I’m happy that I’ve been given different roles and have been able to perform,” he added.
Champions Trophy Journey: Rahul’s Key Contributions
- Final vs New Zealand – 34* (33) in a high-pressure chase.
- Semi-final vs Australia – Match-sealing six, ensuring India’s place in the final.
- Group Stage vs Bangladesh – 41* in an 87-run partnership with Shubman Gill.
With his adaptability and consistency, Rahul has cemented himself as a dependable finisher for India, adding another layer of depth to the batting lineup.
India’s Champions Trophy triumph marks another feather in Rahul’s cap, proving that he is more than just an opener—he is a versatile batter who can anchor, accelerate, and finish games when it matters most.
Tags: KL Rahul, Champions Trophy 2025, India vs New Zealand, ICC Trophy, Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Cricket Final, Team India, BCCI