KL Rahul Proves His Worth in Champions Trophy 2025, Experts Weigh in on His Performance and Comparison with Rishabh Pant

KL Rahul played a key role in India's four-wicket win over Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final, showing an aggressive approach as he stuck with Virat Kohli during a critical stage in the chase. Rahul remained unbeaten on 42 off 34 deliveries, and also hit the winning runs in the chase, helping India seal the final berth. His performance has sparked praise from experts, with Anil Kumble saying, "Rahul showed what he's capable of with his innings today."

A statistical comparison between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in ODIs at No 5 and 6 reveals that Rahul has a better record. At No 5, Rahul has scored 1,299 runs in 31 innings, averaging 56.48, including two centuries and nine fifties. In contrast, Pant has played majority of his ODIs at No 4, averaging 31.13, but has a better record at No 5, scoring 310 runs in 7 innings at 44.29. However, Pant's numbers at No 6 are not impressive, having played just two matches and scoring only 45 runs.

Navjot Singh Sidhu lavished praise on Rahul, hailing his adaptability and selfless attitude. "KL Rahul, you see, even the spare tyre is not used as much. You play him as a wicketkeeper, as No. 6, as an opener, then when BGT comes you play him at No. 3. Then you tell him to open. I tell you one thing. Opening in ODIs is the easiest, but doing it in Tests is the toughest. He is a selfless player," Sidhu said. With India now set for the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, Rahul's presence in the middle order will be invaluable, and experts will be keenly watching his performance in the upcoming match.