As the anticipation builds for the Champions Trophy 2025, former cricketer Anil Kumble sheds light on the pressures faced by star player KL Rahul, emphasizing that ‘there is always undue pressure on him’. Speaking about Rahul’s role, Kumble points out his significant contribution to the team that often goes unnoticed amidst the spotlight on other players. In a related discussion, ex-cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu praised Rahul’s selflessness in the game, likening him to a ‘spare tyre’, stating ‘even a spare tyre isn’t used as much as KL Rahul’. The comparisons between KL Rahul and fellow wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant also add a layer of intrigue to the ongoing discourse about the team’s lineup strategy. In terms of performance, statistics reveal that Rahul has outperformed Pant in crucial aspects while batting at No. 5 and 6 in ODIs, making a compelling case for his inclusion in the batting order against formidable teams like Australia and New Zealand during the upcoming tournament. As the Champions Trophy approaches, Rahul’s ability to deliver under pressure becomes even more critical, and his role as a stabilizing force in India’s batting lineup could be pivotal in chasing down totals or setting competitive scores in the highly competitive format.
