KL Rahul has been a key player for India on their road to the Champions Trophy 2025 final. He played a critical innings of 42 not out in the semi-final against Australia, guiding India to victory. His contributions have been so significant that coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly supported him despite any criticism.
However, to accommodate Axar Patel in the team, Rahul has been batting lower down the order at No. 6 instead of his usual No. 5 position. Cricket legend Anil Kumble has praised Rahul’s performance but suggested he should return to his original batting position.
Kumble believes Rahul should have batted before Axar Patel in the run chase against Australia.
“He should have come in ahead of Axar Patel. While Axar formed a good partnership with Virat Kohli, KL Rahul at that stage can be decisive. If Rahul gets to 30, he is likely to ensure the team wins,” Kumble stated on ESPNcricinfo.
“There’s a lot of pressure on him. When he performs well, it’s expected. But if he fails even once, he faces intense criticism. He was under pressure in the previous game with his wicket-keeping, but today he demonstrated his capabilities,” Kumble added.
Rahul came in to bat at No. 6 and built important partnerships with Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, helping India secure the win.
He remained unbeaten, scoring 42 runs from 34 balls with two fours and two sixes. Rahul finished the match with a six, leading India to victory with 11 balls remaining.
Coach Gautam Gambhir has consistently backed KL Rahul, praising his versatility and ability to bat in different positions in Test cricket, including opening, No. 3, or No. 6.
Recently, Gambhir affirmed Rahul as the primary wicket-keeper batsman for India, justifying his selection by pointing to Rahul’s ODI average of nearly 50.
However, Rahul’s move to No. 6 in ODIs is to include all-rounder Axar Patel at No. 5. Gambhir has explained that promoting Axar provides the Indian team with greater batting depth.
Axar has also justified his promotion with valuable contributions, including a knock of 27 against Australia and a crucial 42 against New Zealand in the group stage when India was in early trouble.
