Indian wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul solidified his position as a finisher in the ODI format with his impressive performances during the Champions Trophy. Rahul demonstrated remarkable consistency, playing a key role in India’s Champions Trophy victory without a single defeat in the tournament. Despite primarily being an opening batsman, Rahul successfully competed with Rishabh Pant for the wicket-keeper spot. His performances justified the team management’s confidence in him.
In a post-final interview, Rahul was asked by Sanjana Ganesan, wife of Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, about how ‘fun’ it was to keep wickets in the Champions Trophy, particularly to India’s spin attack consisting of Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel.
Responding to Sanjana’s question, Rahul humorously confessed that wicket-keeping was a tiring task.
‘Not fun, Sanjana! I have to squat 200-250 times when these spinners are bowling,’ Rahul replied, highlighting the physical exertion involved in keeping wickets to spinners.
Rahul expressed that winning the Champions Trophy with the Indian team was an unparalleled feeling.
‘I believe there’s no greater feeling than this. As I mentioned in an interview a couple of months prior, my primary focus is now on winning as many titles as possible. I am grateful for the opportunities to contribute to my team’s victories. While I haven’t always succeeded, that’s the nature of sports – you constantly get new chances. If you remain grounded, dedicated, train diligently, and perform with your bat, success will follow. That’s all I can say. We dedicate ourselves throughout the year and our careers, but moments like these are truly exceptional,’ Rahul shared with Star Sports.
