Champions Trophy: KL Rahul Sacrificed His 50 to Aid Shubman Gill Reach Century Against Bangladesh-Fans Applaud

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.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: “Team With Better Balance Will Have Edge”, Says Inzamam Ahead Of India, Pakistan Clash

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.

Also Read: Champions Trophy: Navjot Singh Sidhu Calls India-Pakistan Rivalry “The Mother Of All Battles”

---

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.

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.

---

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.