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As India gears up for their final group-stage match against New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, KL Rahul has shed light on the team’s mindset and his personal approach to the game. While the match is inconsequential in terms of qualification—India has already secured a spot in the semifinals with wins over Bangladesh and Pakistan—Rahul emphasized the importance of staying focused and not letting past performances dictate their approach.
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Learning from the Past
Reflecting on India’s early exit in the 2021 T20 World Cup, Rahul acknowledged that the experience was tough for the players but also served as a learning curve. He credited the team’s improved performances in recent ICC events to a shift in mentality.
“Those are things that did affect us back then. And it wasn’t a pleasant time for us players to not be in the semifinals (in 2021) or do well in the competitions. I think we’ve learned from that. In the last two or three ICC events, we’ve performed really well.”
The key takeaway from that experience, according to Rahul, is to stay in the present and take things one game at a time.
“We’re not thinking about what happened in the past—good or bad. What’s important is to stay in the present. I get the sense within the team that everyone’s quite relaxed and balanced. Everyone’s only thinking about the game in front of us and not about the semifinals. We are taking it one step at a time.”
Not Competing with Rishabh Pant
The debate around India’s wicketkeeper-batter role has been ongoing, with Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul both strong contenders for the position. However, Rahul made it clear that he is not trying to compete with Pant or emulate his style of play.
“There’s always the temptation for the team, captain, or coach to take him. I’m not trying to compete with Rishabh. I’m not trying to play like him. I try and do what I do best and stick to my game.”
Rahul’s calm and composed approach differs from Pant’s explosive and aggressive batting style, but he believes his role in the team is defined by what works best for him rather than trying to match someone else’s abilities.
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Addressing Strike Rate Criticism
Rahul has often been subjected to criticism regarding his strike rate, with some questioning his ability to accelerate in high-pressure situations. Addressing the scrutiny, he stated that while he is aware of the debate, he focuses on what’s best for the team in the given scenario rather than obsessing over numbers.
“I’m quite used to seeing, hearing, and reading about it. Sometimes I just sit back and assess whether the criticism is valid.”
However, he emphasized that strike rate is not the sole focus of his approach, as he prioritizes playing according to match situations.
“That’s not something I think about when I go into a game—that I need to up my strike rate. I try to see what’s the best thing for the team in that scenario and do that. Not always am I going to be right.”
India’s Focus Moving Forward
With the semifinals looming, Rahul’s words indicate that India is in a good mental space, approaching each game with clarity and composure. The team will aim to continue their strong form against New Zealand before shifting focus to the knockout stages.
Despite external debates and scrutiny, Rahul remains unfazed, backing his individual strengths and the team’s collective approach in pursuit of Champions Trophy glory.
