Cricket

Navjot Singh Sidhu slams KL Rahul’s usage ahead of 2025 Champions Trophy final

Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sidhu lashed out at the team’s think tank over KL Rahul’s continuous change in the batting order. Before the ODI series against England, Rahul was batting at number five. However, the team management decided to demote him to number six as Axar Patel was able to deliver in the first two games against England, returning with scores of 51 and 42.

Rahul’s place in the ODI team is always under scrutiny despite him performing consistently for the side. The flamboyant batter scored an impressive knock of 42 runs off 34 balls with the help of two fours and as many sixes in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy against Australia on Tuesday.

Sidhu hailed Rahul as a selfless player and added he is a team man as he always does what the team wants him to do.

“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,” Navjot Singh Sidhu said on Star Sports.

On the other hand, Rahul also opened up on his continuous scrutiny over his place in the team despite performing consistently in ODIs. The wicket-keeper bat has an average of almost 50 in the 50-over format.

“It’s since I think 2020 that I’ve batted at No. 5 and a lot of times people forget that that’s where I’ve been batting. And every time I perform in a series and then there’s a break from ODI series, ODI cricket, and then we come back after four or five months there’s a question mark again about ‘oh well, will he play in the XI, where does he fit’ and sometimes I’m sitting there thinking what more can I do. Everywhere that I’ve been asked to play I’ve played, and I feel like I have performed my role, whatever’s been told to me by Rohit,” KL Rahul said after India’s semifinal win.

India will take on New Zealand in the summit clash of the Champions Trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025