Team India wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul played a crucial role under pressure in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025-winning campaign. Following the final, TV presenter Sanjana Ganesan, who is also Jasprit Bumrah’s wife, asked Rahul about the experience of keeping wickets to India’s formidable spin quartet.
KL Rahul was under pressure to retain his place in the team ahead of Rishabh Pant but delivered consistent performances behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper assisted captain Rohit Sharma with DRS calls. Rahul found keeping wickets to India’s spin quartet the most challenging in the tournament.
I Have to Squat 200-250 Times – KL Rahul
KL Rahul gave a candid response when asked about the experience of keeping wickets to India’s spin attack. Rahul stated that he has to squat 200-250 times while keeping to them.
“It’s not fun, Sanjana. I have to squat 200-250 times when these are spinners are bowling,” Rahul said.
India were the only team to have five specialist spinners in their squad. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Kuldeep Yadav played in all five matches of the tournament. Washington Sundar did not feature in any game, while Varun Chakaravarthy joined the playing XI in the last group match against New Zealand.
Varun Chakaravarthy finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for India alongside Mohammed Shami, picking up 9 wickets in just three matches. Kuldeep Yadav took 7 wickets, while Jadeja and Axar combined for 10 scalps. Overall, India’s spinners took 26 wickets—the most by any team in the tournament.
The Pitches Made Them Even More Dangerous – KL Rahul
KL Rahul also praised Indian spinners for their outstanding performances throughout the Champions Trophy. Rahul emphasized that their ability to exploit the conditions made his job behind the stumps even tougher.
“They are high quality. The pitches obviously assisted them a bit, which made them even more dangerous. That makes it even more challenging for me behind the stumps. The way they have bowled, the way they have used those conditions have been phenomenal,” Rahul continued.
ICC Victories Are Not So Easy to Get – KL Rahul
The 32-year-old expressed his joy over winning his first ICC title. He stated that every player stepped up when given the opportunity, which ultimately led to their success.
“ICC victories are not so easy to get and it’s my first one, so I’m over the moon,” Rahul said.
“It’s been a complete team effort, all 11-12 players have stood up and their chance and opportunity has come and it’s one of the biggest reasons why we have ended up winning the tournament.”
The Karnataka-born cricketer played crucial knocks in run chases during the knockout stages. He scored an unbeaten 42 runs off 34 balls in the semis and 34 off 33 in the title clash.
Batting at No. 6, Rahul scored 140 runs in four innings at a remarkable average of 140 and a strike rate of 97.90. He was also included in the ICC’s Team of the Tournament.
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