During India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh, KL Rahul garnered praise for his selflessness while Shubman Gill sought to complete his century. Rahul, focusing on team success over personal milestones, supported Gill despite needing a fifty himself, contrasting past behavior from Hardik Pandya, who was criticized for hindering Tilak Varma’s century in a prior match. India’s performance was bolstered by Mohammed Shami’s record-breaking bowling, helping to dismiss Bangladesh for 228. Gill’s unbeaten 101 led India to a six-wicket victory. The team’s next match is against Pakistan on February 23, 2025.
During India’s opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025 against Bangladesh on Thursday, fans witnessed a touching moment. India was pursuing a modest target of 229, with Shubman Gill nearing his century as the chase concluded. At this pivotal moment, KL Rahul, the batsman at the other end, prioritized Gill’s three-figure achievement over his own fifty. Despite facing scrutiny for his recent struggles with the bat, Rahul’s selfless attitude in the face of pressure resonated with netizens. Many even criticized Hardik Pandya for an incident from two years ago where he denied Tilak Varma a fifty.
In that T20I match against the West Indies, Hardik secured a six to clinch the victory while Tilak, positioned at the non-striker end, was just short of his half-century. Fans were vocal in their disapproval of the then-Indian captain’s decision, with some labeling it as a “selfish act”.
As Rahul aided Gill in achieving his eighth ODI century, fans commended his actions. However, this also provided a convenient opportunity for some to poke fun at Hardik. Here are some of the reactions –
Thanks to KL Rahul for staying in and not letting Hardik Pandya bat. pic.twitter.com/YqK9qSo1N2
— Krishnpal Tomar (@KrishnpalTomar7) February 21, 2025
KL Rahul sacrificed his fifty for Virat Kohli in World Cup 2023 and again for Shubham Gill today. Why are you so selfless, KL?
— KLfy (@we_are_ahea) February 20, 2025
Hardik Pandya bhai kuch seekho KL Rahul bhai se
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
— Cricket Pe Charcha 24×7 (@cpc24x7) February 20, 2025
In the match, Mohammed Shami and Gill were instrumental as India secured a 6-wicket victory against Bangladesh in their Champions Trophy opener in Dubai on Thursday.
Shami shattered multiple records as India bowled out Bangladesh for 228 after they chose to bat first. Shami’s figures of 5 for 53 in 10 overs were crucial, especially as Bangladesh struggled at 35 for 5 before putting up a respectable total, courtesy of Towhid Hridoy (100) and Jaker Ali (68).
In the chase, India established a solid foundation through Rohit Sharma and Gill. While Rohit was dismissed for 41, Gill’s unbeaten century (101) paved the way for India’s victory.
Furthermore, during the match, Rohit surpassed the milestone of 11,000 ODI runs, making him the fourth Indian batter to achieve this feat.
India is set to face Pakistan next on February 23 at the same venue, while Bangladesh will go up against New Zealand on February 24 in Rawalpindi.
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