Champions Trophy 2025: 'Ready to do Anything For The Team' - KL Rahul Earns Praise For His Versatility

Add as a preferred source on Google

Indian wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has earned praise for his versatility from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 final meeting with New Zealand on Sunday (March 9) in Dubai.

Rahul has been a crucial part of the Indian lineup in the tournament, having made 106 runs in three innings at an average of 106.00 and strike rate of over 96, with a best score of 42* against Australia, which sealed the team's spot in the final.

Since the start of the year, the Karnataka wicketkeeper-batter, who has opened the batting for most part of his career, has been batting at number six, in order to accommodate and promote all-rounder Axar Patel to counter spin at his usual spot of number five.

Speaking to the media about Rahul's role, Kotak said, "He can open, bat at number four or five and even at six. He adapts really well. KL is really happy with his role and is ready to do anything for the team. It is also helping him that he is performing since it is a different situation when he bats now."

At number six, KL has made 160 runs in seven innings at an average of 40.00, with the best score of 42* and a strike rate of above 89. At five, his most productive spot, he has made 1,299 runs in 31 matches at an average of 56.47 and strike rate of over 96, with two centuries and nine fifties and best score of 112.

Kotak also praised India's number four batter, Shreyas Iyer, who has also scored crucial runs in the ongoing ICC tournament. Speaking about Iyer, the coach said, "I think he always batted at 4-5. After he came back, he has been absolutely outstanding. He has done really well."

At number four for India, Iyer has scored 1,773 runs in 40 innings at an average of 52.14, with four centuries and 12 fifties. His best score is 128*. In seven ODIs this year, Iyer has scored 376 runs at an average of 53.71 and a strike rate of 96.16, with four half-centuries and best score of 79.

Team India will hope the duo continue their form in the final against New Zealand on Sunday (March 9). The two sides will clash for the second time in this edition of the Champions Trophy, having crossed paths in the group stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai, the same venue of the summit clash.