KL Rahul: The Quiet Achiever Who Demonstrates His Value | Cricbuzz.com

### ICC Champions Trophy 2025: KL Rahul, the Unsung Hero of India’s Triumph
**By Vijay Tagore**

In the gripping semifinals and finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, KL Rahul delivered a series of calm and undefeated innings, proving to be an invaluable asset beyond the glitz of the aforementioned stars. ©Getty Images

While the Indian team boasts a constellation of celebrated players, there exists the enigmatic figure of KL Rahul—a player often overshadowed, seldom celebrated, and the frequent subject of unwarranted critique. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, who later emphasized the importance of collective effort in clinching the Champions Trophy, Rahul emerged as a crucial yet understated contributor. His calm, strategic presence provided crucial stability when the team faced intense pressure.

During the semifinals against Australia, as the tension escalated, Rahul offered sage advice to Virat Kohli, encouraging him to anchor one end, while he himself embraced the risk-taking role in each over. Ironically, Kohli, known for his composure, succumbed to a moment of impropriety, consequently losing his wicket to a reckless shot. With Hardik Pandya stepping in to briefly diffuse the tension through a couple of aggressive strokes, it was Rahul’s steady hand that ensured victory by anchoring the innings till the end.

The final, too, tested the nerves when Axar Patel’s ill-advised aggression led to his dismissal, putting the team in a precarious position. Once more, Rahul demonstrated his mettle by accumulating an unbeaten 34 runs, strategically executing key strokes to maintain a manageable run rate. His presence on the crease was a beacon of tranquility and determination, averting what could have been a catastrophic collapse. Such composure is a rarity and a luxury for any team.

Acknowledgment of Rahul’s pivotal role came from skipper Rohit Sharma, who praised Rahul’s contributions to the campaign. “KL has consistently undertaken challenging roles for the team. His performance under pressure in the semifinals and finals was invaluable and these crucial 30-40 runs played a significant part,” Sharma stated.

“When chasing runs and the tension mounts, the ability to remain composed is crucial. KL’s calmness extends beyond his personal game, bringing a reassuring influence to the dressing room,” Sharma added.

Remarkably, this tournament marked Rahul’s first ICC silverware in a career spanning over a decade. He amassed 140 runs over five matches without registering a single half-century but with three not-outs, showcasing his adaptability and value in the lower middle order—a testament to his versatile approach after starting primarily as an opener.

“Cricket is inherently a team sport, and fulfilling the team’s needs comes before individual milestones. Understanding your role and executing it is key,” Rahul reflected on his tournament responsibilities. “Winning an ICC title is no small feat, especially my first. The team’s collective performance was instrumental in our success,” he expressed.

On the eve of the final, Rahul’s dedication was evident as he practiced solo at the ICC Academy, consciously honing his big-hitting skills with the old ball, anticipating his role lower in the batting order. His vital contributions in the knockout stages were indeed invaluable.

“Preparation demands meticulous work beyond the field, and evaluating how to approach various situations is crucial,” Rahul disclosed, underscoring his strategic preparation and diligent mindset. “Observing and learning from successful players at number six has informed my understanding of the role,” he remarked, acknowledging the diverse responsibilities he has embraced with noteworthy success.

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**Tags:** India, KL Rahul, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final

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