KL Rahul, a key middle-order batsman for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, has faced considerable discussion on social media regarding his batting position. Despite being a natural opener, Rahul has been playing at No. 5 or No. 6 for India in the Champions Trophy 2025. This has led to questions from experts and former players about whether it’s the best use of his talent lower down the order.
When asked about the debate surrounding his batting position, Rahul openly said that he enjoys batting at the top of the order more.
‘Yes, I do enjoy batting at the top, I won’t deny it,’ Rahul stated to Star Sports after India secured their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a victory over Australia. He elaborated, ‘Having opened in Test matches in Australia against their strong attack, you realize how challenging red-ball cricket can be. After that experience, batting lower down the order feels different. However, this is where I’ve been batting in white-ball cricket for the past four to five years,’ he explained.
Rahul has opened for India in several matches, including T20Is and ODIs, such as in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. Currently, the team management prefers the opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill.
Nevertheless, Rahul is comfortable playing the role of a finisher for the team, as he has become accustomed to it over the last few years.
‘I am quite used to moving up and down the batting order. I am happy to get an opportunity to play in the middle order and fulfill any role given. This has helped me understand my game better, and I’ve focused on improving my boundary hitting in the past year. In our last ODI series in Sri Lanka, I batted at No. 6, knowing that was my position and that the team needed a left-hander in the top order,’ he added.
‘To be honest, I have been batting at No. 5 since 2020, which is often overlooked,’ Rahul pointed out.
Rahul directly addressed what he sees as unfair criticism regarding his place in the ODI team, despite consistently performing well in various positions over recent years.
‘Every time I perform in a series, and then there’s a gap before the next ODI series, the question arises again: Will he be in the XI? Where does he fit? Sometimes I wonder what more I can do. I have played wherever asked and performed the assigned role. Rohit [Sharma], who has been captain for the last four to five years, has conveyed certain expectations,’ he continued.
‘I believe I have executed what he has asked of me to the best of my abilities. I know Rohit also feels this way and has consistently supported me. This gives me confidence going into matches, knowing the captain has my backing,’ he concluded.
