KL Rahul has been a crucial player for Team India in their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign, scoring an impactful 42 in the semi-final against Australia. Despite batting lower at No. 6 to accommodate Axar Patel at No. 5, Rahul’s performance has earned him strong support from head coach Gautam Gambhir and praise from cricket legend Anil Kumble, who suggested he should bat higher. Kumble emphasized Rahul’s capability and the pressures he faces, while Gambhir highlighted his versatility and solid ODI average. India will face New Zealand in the final on March 8, 2025, with both players contributing significantly to the team’s success.
KL Rahul has emerged as one of Team India’s unsung heroes throughout their campaign to the Champions Trophy 2025 final. He played a crucial role by scoring an invaluable 42 runs in India’s semi-final chase against Australia, remaining not out and guiding India to victory. Rahul’s influence has been such that head coach Gautam Gambhir has consistently defended him against criticism. Nonetheless, Rahul has had to adjust his batting position—from No. 5 to No. 6—to accommodate Axar Patel in the lineup. Renowned Indian cricketer Anil Kumble praised Rahul and suggested that he should return to his original batting spot.
Kumble remarked that Rahul should have batted before Axar during the chase against Australia.
“He should have come ahead of Axar Patel. I acknowledge that Axar formed a good partnership with Virat Kohli, but a player like KL Rahul coming in at that point is crucial. If he reaches 30, he will help ensure that you cross the finish line,” Kumble said during an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
“There’s significant pressure on him. If he succeeds, it’s taken for granted. If he fails even once, the critics come out in full force. He was under pressure, especially with his keeping in the last match, but today he demonstrated his true capabilities,” Kumble continued.
Rahul came in at No. 6 and formed vital partnerships with Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, ultimately ensuring that India secured the win.
He concluded the innings unbeaten, scoring 42 runs off 34 balls, including two fours and two sixes. Rahul finished the match with a winning six, helping Team India prevail with 11 balls remaining.
KL Rahul has garnered significant support from head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir previously praised Rahul’s adaptability, highlighting his ability to open, bat at No. 3, or take the No. 6 position in Test cricket.
More recently, Gambhir named Rahul the clear first-choice wicket-keeper batsman for India XI, defending this choice by noting that Rahul has an impressive average close to 50 in ODI cricket.
However, Rahul has also been positioned at No. 6 in the ODI batting order to make room for all-rounder Axar Patel at No. 5. Gambhir has stated that promoting Axar in the batting order provides Team India with additional depth.
Axar has proved his worth with notable contributions, scoring 27 runs against Australia and delivering his best innings against New Zealand during India’s final group match, where he made 42 runs that stabilized the innings when India was in trouble at 30/3 within the first seven overs.
India will face New Zealand again in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on Saturday, March 8.
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