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KL Rahul and India's team strategize for a thrilling chase against England in the Headingley Test, aiming to seize a series advantage.

Rahul-Pant Partnership Sets Up Final Day Clash

KL Rahul and India strategize for a thrilling final day against England in the Headingley Test, aiming for a series lead backed by stirring performances.

KL Rahul aims to secure a match-winning lead for India on the final day of the Headingley Test against England, backed by his century and Pant's explosive innings.

India opener KL Rahul has asserted that the visitors will give themselves the "best chance" to dismiss the England batting lineup and take a 1-0 lead in the series when the final day's play in the first Test resumes here on Tuesday.
The Headindley Test was interestingly poised on Monday with India setting the hosts a tricky 371-run target for victory, while Ben Stokes' side began the chase expertly on day four with openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett erasing 21 runs from the total.
"Blockbuster finish waiting tomorrow. There's definitely going to be a result. That's what England have said openly and it gives us the opportunity to pick up 10 wickets," said Rahul, who along with Rishabh Pant, played a pivotal role in propping up India before they were all out for 364.
Rahul scored 137 while Pant smashed 118 as the duo stitched together a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket to bail India out after they had lost skipper Shubman Gill early in the morning session.
"Today was a tricky wicket. Tomorrow it might break even more. We'll give ourselves the best chance to pick up the 10 wickets," added Rahul during the post-stumps press conference.
He, however, conceded that a score of around 400 would have placed India in a much stronger position.
"At tea, there was a little bit of discussion on how much we need, or whether to give them (England) a few overs to bat and pick up a few wickets. Ideally we would have wanted about 40 runs more," said Rahul.
India lost three lower-order batters for naught, while Karun Nair and Shardul Thakur too could only manage a handful of runs as the visitors slumped from 333/5 to 364 all out.
Rahul added that he was in awe of Pant's batting and was just admiring his audacious strokeplay standing at the other end.
"You just stand there and admire and sometimes scratch your head about the shots that he plays. He has his unique style of play. He enjoys his game. He has a style that none of us will understand in this room. Just let him be Rishabh Pant," said Rahul of Pant, who, despite playing conservatively, managed 118 off just 140 balls.
England pacer Josh Tongue, who ran through the tail to return figures of 3/72, said the first 30-40 minutes in the opening session on the final day would be crucial but the general feeling in the team was to go for victory.
"Go for the chase tomorrow, that's the messaging in the dressing room. There's no reason we can't chase it down. Hopefully we won't be in a situation to play out for a draw. See where we are at lunch and calculate," he said.

KL Rahul eyes a T20 return for the 2026 World Cup. Reflecting on his game, he's working on white-ball strategies and improving strike rates. His adaptability in cricket signifies a commitment to all formats for India's success.

T20 Comeback of KL Rahul for 2026 World Cup

KL Rahul aims to return to India's T20 squad for the 2026 World Cup. He's focused on white-ball cricket strategies and improving his strike rate. His adaptability underscores a commitment to Indian cricket's success across all formats.

KL Rahul eyes a T20 return for the 2026 World Cup

KL Rahul aims for a T20 comeback for the 2026 World Cup. He's introspected on white-ball strategies and focused on improving strike rates. Rahul's adaptability in cricket reinforces his commitment to India's success across formats.

Senior India batter KL Rahul has set his sights on a return to India's T20 squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup at home, saying that time away from the format has allowed him to re-calibrate his white-ball game.
It's been close to three years since Rahul played a T20 for India. His last outing was India's semifinal defeat to England at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia.
"Yes, I want to get back in the T20 team and the World Cup is on my mind, but for now it's just trying to enjoy how I'm playing right now," Rahul told Sky Sports.
India, the reigning T20 Champions, are set to co-host the World Cup with Sri Lanka early next year.
Rahul's IPL 2025 campaign came to an end after Delhi Capitals failed to qualify for the playoffs, but the 33-year-old once again proved his consistency, amassing 539 runs in 13 matches at a brisk strike rate of 149.72.
It was the fifth time in six seasons, he scored 500-plus runs. Yet, despite the volume of runs, Rahul has often faced scrutiny over his strike rate, something he has worked on.
"I obviously had some time to think about my white-ball game, I was quite happy with my performances and where I was. But (there) was a time probably 15 months ago or 12 months ago where I realised that the game is slightly getting ahead or it's changing and becoming much more faster.
"...that it's become more about the team that hits more boundaries is winning the games more often than the team that's, I can't say playing smarter, but the team that doesn't hit as many boundaries is always finding themselves on the losing side." The time away from T20 internationals, however, has given Rahul the space to reflect on his white-ball game.
"So that's where white-ball cricket is getting and I haven't been part of the T20 team in the last couple of years. That's given me some time to think about my T20 game as well." "So, overall, just sitting and thinking about where I can get better, where the game's gone and what I need to do to catch up with the game and what can I do to perform and get back in the T20 team, what can I do to become an important player for my team in ODI and T20 overall in white-ball cricket..." Rahul has been a mainstay in the ODI side and played a key role in India's recent Champions Trophy triumph, scoring 140 runs in five matches at a strike rate of 97.90, solidifying the middle order.
Never had the choice to decide batting position ============================= In his over a decade long career, Rahul has been a floater in the Indian team. His batting spot in both ODIs and Test have been far from steady all these years.
But Rahul said he has always been happy to tweak his game according to the team's need.
"If you have seen how my career has gone, I don&rsquo;t think I really had a choice, or I have never been a player to speak with the selectors and sit with the captain and tell the captain that this is what I want to do," he said reflecting on his career.
"I just want to be in the team and whatever challenge is thrown at me, I have found that&rsquo;s better for me to adapt to rather than me trying to sit and think about what I need to do," Rahul said.
We could have batted better in last couple of Test series =================================== India endured a wretched run in the red ball formats recently, losing 0-3 to New Zealand at home before conceding the Border Gavaskar Trophy to Australia.
"Last couple of Test series we should have batted better. Losing three Tests at home in conditions that we know. New Zealand found a way of keeping us quiet, not giving us easy boundaries. We had to really work hard for runs and that built pressure and we played some bad shots," said Rahul.
"The wicket had a bit for spinners but they found a way to put pressure. If we had batted better we'd be at a better place against New Zealand. And then somehow we carried the habit of not being able to win crucial moments in the game and did the same mistakes in Australia."

Delhi Capitals defeated RCB by 6 wickets in IPL 2025, spearheaded by KL Rahul's unbeaten 93. Despite RCB's early gains, late-game dynamics and strategic missteps led to their downfall.

Delhi Capitals Secure Victory with KL Rahul's 93

KL Rahul's commanding 93 not out secured Delhi Capitals’ victory over RCB in IPL 2025. Despite a strong start, RCB couldn't maintain momentum, with on-field tensions highlighted by Virat Kohli's reactions.

Kohli's Reaction to Patidar Sparks Speculation

Delhi Capitals maintained their unbeaten run in IPL 2025, defeating RCB by 6 wickets, led by KL Rahul's unbeaten 93. RCB's early advantage was lost, sparking on-field discussions. RCB now holds third place, while Delhi leads the standings.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru succumbed to a 6-wicket defeat against the formidable Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 clash on Thursday.
Despite a strong start at home while defending a total of 163, RCB couldn't withstand the onslaught led by KL Rahul.
The Capitals' opener, returning to familiar grounds, remained undefeated with a masterful 93, ensuring the visitors maintained their unbeaten streak this season.
RCB initially had the upper hand, dismissing Delhi's top three batters for a paltry 30 runs.
However, as Rahul began to assert his dominance in the latter part of the innings, a visibly animated Virat Kohli was spotted engaging in a fervent discussion with his coach, Dinesh Karthik.
The exchange, captured on live television, has sparked speculation regarding Kohli&rsquo;s dissatisfaction with some decisions made by current skipper Rajat Patidar.
Commentators Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag noted that any grievances Kohli may have should be communicated to the captain, as he no longer holds that position.
Observers also noted Kohli sharing his thoughts with veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar about on-field strategies. The specific reasons for Kohli's visible agitation remain undisclosed.
Rahul's innings was pivotal in the Capitals' chase, allowing them to comfortably reach the target with 2.1 overs remaining. RCB&rsquo;s captain, Rajat Patidar, attributed the team's loss to the batters' failure to capitalize on a seemingly favorable pitch.
Reflecting on the defeat, Patidar remarked, "The wicket appeared suitable for batting, but our performance didn&rsquo;t reflect that. Our top order showed intent but faltered collapsing from 80 for 1 to 90 for 4. Despite having a strong lineup, we need better situational assessment. Tim David's late acceleration was commendable, and our powerplay bowling stood out. Our focus remains on playing good cricket irrespective of where we play."
As a result of the defeat, RCB find themselves third on the points table, while Delhi Capitals solidify their position at the top, asserting their dominance in the 18th edition of the T20 league.

KL Rahul celebrated a significant IPL win inspired by the film 'Kantara' at Chinnaswamy. His 93* against RCB highlights his deep ties to the stadium.

KL Rahul's 'Kantara' Celebration in IPL

KL Rahul, inspired by 'Kantara', celebrated DC's victory against RCB at Chinnaswamy. His knock of 93* was a masterclass, showcasing his deep stadium connection.

KL Rahul celebrated a significant IPL win inspired by the film 'Kantara' at Chinnaswamy

KL Rahul celebrated a key IPL victory against RCB at Chinnaswamy, drawing inspiration from 'Kantara'. His performance included a brilliant 93* run chase, reinforcing his deep connection to his home stadium.

Delhi Capitals' wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, renowned for his usually calm on-field demeanor, broke character with an animated celebration after his team&rsquo;s pivotal victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL.
The celebration, which has since gone viral, was inspired by the 2022 Kannada film "Kantara"&mdash;a movie Rahul holds dear. The cinematic gesture seemed to declare the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, a ground intrinsic to Rahul&rsquo;s cricketing journey, as his own.
"This ground is special to me," Rahul explained in a video shared by DC. "The celebration was inspired by one of my favorite movies, Kantara. It was a reminder that this ground, this turf, is mine."
In "Kantara," a character famously plants a sword into the ground, a visual that Rahul mirrored by emphatically thumping his chest and pointing towards the pitch and his jersey.
Rahul&rsquo;s connection to the Chinnaswamy Stadium runs deep. As a Karnataka native, he honed his skills here and had stints with RCB during the 2013 and 2016 IPL seasons.
At this venue, his T20 record speaks volumes; he has accumulated 544 runs in 20 matches at an average of 41.84 and a strike rate surpassing 145, with his top score being an undefeated 93. His IPL contributions here include 475 runs in 18 matches, averaging 43.18.
The recent IPL encounter against RCB highlighted Rahul&rsquo;s prowess yet again. After Delhi invited RCB to bat first, a stellar spin performance from Kuldeep Yadav (2/17) and Vipraj Nigam (2/18) restricted the hosts to 163/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Standout performances came from Phil Salt (37 from 17 balls) and Tim David (37* from 20 balls), overcoming the aggressive opening partnership between Salt and Virat Kohli.
In response, Delhi Capitals found themselves tottering at 58/4, before Rahul and Tristan Stubbs took charge. Their unbroken 111-run partnership for the fifth wicket steered the team to victory.
Rahul&rsquo;s commanding knock of 93* off 53 deliveries, punctuated by seven fours and six sixes, earned him the 'Player of the Match' title. Stubbs offered solid support with his 38* from 23 balls.
Rahul&rsquo;s recent form has been remarkable, tallying 185 runs in just three matches with two half-centuries.
His performances have left DC sitting comfortably in second place with four consecutive wins, while RCB holds the fourth spot with three wins out of five.
In summary, KL Rahul's inspired celebration not only resonates with his love for cinema, particularly "Kantara," but also underscores his deep-rooted connection to a ground synonymous with his cricketing career.

KL Rahul returns to Delhi Capitals for the match against SRH, bringing fresh energy after celebrating his daughter's arrival. Post acquiring him for Rs 14 crore, DC aims for IPL success with Rahul's remarkable cricketing talent.

KL Rahul's Anticipated Return for DC vs SRH

KL Rahul is set to return to the Delhi Capitals lineup against SunRisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024. After celebrating personal milestones, Rahul's presence boosts team morale. Fans anticipate his strategic brilliance on the field.

KL Rahul returns to Delhi Capitals for the match against SRH

KL Rahul returns to Delhi Capitals after personal commitments, as they face SRH next. Celebrating fatherhood, Rahul aims to enhance DC's IPL campaign. He joins the team, uplifting spirits with humor and camaraderie.

After Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals' (DC) opening match without KL Rahul, fans can expect his return for the second game against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 30.
Rahul was absent from the game against his former team, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), due to personal commitments as he and his wife, Athiya Shetty, recently welcomed their newborn daughter. In Rahul's absence, Delhi Capitals managed a narrow victory over LSG, with Ashutosh Sharma stepping up to guide the team.
Following the match, Rahul joined his teammates and appeared in high spirits during a team-bonding session.
The event was filled with light-hearted activities, where Rahul entertained players by mimicking the batting stance and accent of DC mentor Kevin Pietersen. He humorously asked, "Mate, any guesses?" drawing laughter from Pietersen himself.
Delhi Capitals celebrated Rahul and Athiya's new milestone with a touching video tribute. A video posted on DC's social media, captioned "Our family extends, our family celebrates," showcased teammates congratulating Rahul with a 'Mother's Lap Baby Swing' gesture.
The backdrop was filled with the tune of 'Meri duniya tu hi re' from the film Heyy Babyy, with skipper Axar Patel seen singing along. In response, Rahul commented, "Lads, this means so much to us, thanks a million."
Rahul's journey to Delhi Capitals came after the team acquired him for a substantial Rs 14 crore at the mega auction. This move followed a fallout with LSG's franchise owner Sanjeev Goenka at the conclusion of the 2024 season, leading to Rahul not being retained by his former team.
Now, donning the DC jersey, Rahul aims to make a mark in the T20 format, having already reclaimed his place in India's ODI and Test teams.
Rahul's prowess was on full display during India's victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign, where he played a pivotal role both as a wicketkeeper and a finisher.
Displaying remarkable consistency, he remained unbeaten in three out of four innings. His contributions, particularly in the knockout stage, were crucial, with scores of 42* and 34* helping India secure wins over Australia and New Zealand in the semi-finals and finals, respectively. Rahul's performances reiterate his value in any setup, as he prepares to bring that form to DC's IPL campaign.

Team India clinched their third ICC Champions Trophy title, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai.

India's 2025 Champions Trophy Triumph: A tale of redemption and resilience

Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s bold leadership, a dominant spin attack, and crucial contributions from KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer sealed a long-awaited ICC ODI trophy after 12 years.

India's 2025 ICC Champions Trophy victory is more than just another trophy, it is a moment of redemption, a triumph that washes away the painful memories of past heartbreaks.
After a 12-year-long wait for an ICC ODI trophy, India finally lifted the Champions Trophy once again, defeating New Zealand by four wickets in the final at Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce91560e51a_1741590870.jpg" width="577" height="326">
This victory is especially significant considering India&rsquo;s struggles in previous ICC events.
The painful 3-1 Test series defeat in Australia earlier this year was still fresh, and the memory of losing the 2023 ODI World Cup final to Australia in Ahmedabad haunted fans and players alike.
Even further back, the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss to Pakistan, where India suffered a crushing 180-run defeat, was a wound that never truly healed.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce918f75310_1741590927.jpg" width="573" height="324">
But now, those scars have begun to fade, replaced by the joy of another ICC title.
<h3>Heroes Who Stepped Up for India</h3>
In the high-pressure final, New Zealand managed to put up 251 in 48.3 overs, with Daryl Mitchell (63) and Michael Bracewell (53) playing crucial knocks.
However, India's bowlers ensured that the Kiwis never ran away with the game. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy were outstanding, picking up key wickets in the middle overs to break partnerships and stall New Zealand&rsquo;s momentum.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce91c151e14_1741590977.jpg" width="568" height="321">
India&rsquo;s 2025 Champions Trophy victory was not just about a few standout performances, it was a triumph built on teamwork, resilience, and bold decision-making.
Some players rose to the occasion when it mattered most, while others provided the crucial support needed to get India over the line. But at the heart of it all was Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s fearless leadership.
Fittingly, it was Ravindra Jadeja who struck the winning runs, a sight Indian fans have become accustomed to, whether for the national team or for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
The moment the ball pierced the infield, the entire team erupted in celebration as India finally reclaimed an ICC ODI trophy after 12 long years.
<h3>Rohit Sharma: The Captain Who Trusted His Instincts</h3>
Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s captaincy was instrumental in India&rsquo;s title run. He wasn&rsquo;t afraid to make bold calls, even when experts and former cricketers questioned his approach.
One of the biggest gambles he took was backing a spin-heavy bowling attack, consistently playing four spinners, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, even when many cricket pundits felt it was a risky move.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce9278950bb_1741591160.jpg" width="559" height="316">
But Rohit had a plan. He recognized that the slow pitches in the UAE would favor spin, and he stuck to his strategy even when others doubted him.
His decision paid off brilliantly, as India&rsquo;s spinners dominated throughout the tournament, choking opposition batters and making life difficult for teams used to playing against pace.
In the final, Kuldeep and Varun combined for four crucial wickets, proving that Rohit&rsquo;s instincts were spot on.
Beyond strategy, Rohit led from the front with the bat. His 76 in the final was a captain&rsquo;s knock, setting the tone for India&rsquo;s chase. He had faced heartbreak in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, and the 2017 Champions Trophy final loss still lingered in memory. But this time, he ensured that his team didn&rsquo;t crumble under pressure.
<h3>KL Rahul &amp; Shreyas Iyer: The Middle-Order Anchors</h3>
With nerves running high in the final, KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer provided the stability India needed in the middle overs.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce931f763bc_1741591327.jpg" width="557" height="315">
Rahul, ever the calm presence under pressure, played a crucial unbeaten 34 off 33 balls, it wasn&rsquo;t the flashiest innings, but it was exactly what India required to get over the line.
Shreyas Iyer&rsquo;s composed 48 was equally vital. His ability to rotate the strike and find the occasional boundary ensured that India never lost momentum.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce932c5378b_1741591340.jpg" width="563" height="318">
Another key tactical decision throughout the tournament was Axar Patel&rsquo;s promotion above KL Rahul in the batting order.
Rohit Sharma and the team management backed Axar&rsquo;s ability to counter spin and accelerate in the middle overs, a move that worked brilliantly on multiple occasions.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce94eadcf6d_1741591786.jpg" width="559" height="316">
In the final, Axar chipped in with a valuable 29 runs, ensuring that India remained in control of the chase.
Throughout the tournament, Axar, Rahul, and Iyer played the role of stabilizers, absorbing pressure in crucial moments and ensuring that India never suffered collapses when it mattered most.
<h3>Kuldeep Yadav &amp; Varun Chakravarthy: India&rsquo;s Spin Twins</h3>
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, the pressure was on India&rsquo;s spinners to deliver, and Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy did not disappoint.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce954947adc_1741591881.jpg" width="559" height="316">
Kuldeep&rsquo;s ability to deceive batters with flight and turn was crucial, while Varun&rsquo;s mystery spin created doubts in the minds of the opposition.
In the final, their combined four-wicket haul ensured that New Zealand never got out of hand, choking them in the middle overs when they looked set for a big score.
However, it wasn&rsquo;t just the wrist spinners who played a role, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel were equally instrumental in keeping opposition batters in check.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce957f1854a_1741591935.jpg" width="557" height="315">
With Kuldeep, Varun, Jadeja, and Axar working in tandem, India&rsquo;s spin quartet became a nightmare for opposition teams, laying the foundation for this historic triumph.
<h3>Mohammed Shami &amp; Hardik Pandya: Off-Color but Fighting Spirit Intact</h3>
It wasn&rsquo;t the best night with the ball for Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya, both of whom struggled with their line and length at times. Shami, though experienced, couldn&rsquo;t find his usual rhythm, while Pandya leaked a few runs in crucial moments.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce95bcced75_1741591996.jpg" width="573" height="324">
However, what made them valuable was their ability to keep fighting despite not being at their best.
<h3>A True Team Effort</h3>
This Champions Trophy win wasn&rsquo;t just about one or two players, it was about an entire squad that refused to buckle under pressure. Every time India needed a hero, someone stepped up. And in the end, that&rsquo;s what made this victory so special.
After 12 years of waiting, India finally had an ICC ODI trophy in its hands again, and every single player played a part in making it happen.
For Rohit Sharma, this victory was vindication. His tactical decisions, including his unwavering belief in spin, had been questioned, but he trusted his instincts and was proven right.
He and Virat Kohli had finally lifted the ICC ODI trophy they had long chased, and as they celebrated by playing dandiya with the stumps, it was clear, this was more than just a trophy. It was a moment of redemption.
<h3>Exorcising the Ghosts of 2017</h3>
For Indian cricket fans, this Champions Trophy win carries even deeper meaning. The painful memory of the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, where India was completely outplayed, has haunted the team for years.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce9600624cb_1741592064.jpg" width="562" height="318">
That day, Pakistan posted a massive 338/4, thanks to Fakhar Zaman&rsquo;s century, and India's batting collapsed in a one-sided contest. It was a crushing 180-run defeat, leaving scars that lingered for years.
Now, in 2025, the narrative has changed. India has finally reclaimed the trophy that eluded them in 2017, proving that they have evolved as a team.
The ghosts of past failures, especially the heartbreaks in 2017 and 2023, have now been buried under the weight of this long-awaited triumph.
<h3>A Heartwarming Celebration: RoKo's Dandiya Moment</h3>
The celebrations that followed India&rsquo;s victory were a sight to behold. One of the most heartwarming moments of the night was Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli playing dandiya with the stumps on the field.
&nbsp;
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&nbsp;
The two veterans, who had carried the hopes of Indian cricket for over a decade, were seen smiling, laughing, and joyfully tapping the stumps together in a playful celebration.
It was a moment of pure joy, encapsulating what this victory meant to them, not just as cricketers, but as friends who had shared the highs and lows of Indian cricket.
For years, both Rohit and Kohli had been questioned for their inability to win an ICC ODI trophy as captains. But on this night, none of that mattered. They had finally achieved what they had long desired.
The image of them celebrating together will go down as one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.
<h3>The Road Ahead: What Next for Rohit &amp; Kohli?</h3>
With the 2025 Champions Trophy secured, Indian cricket now turns its focus to the next big challenge: the home Test series against England.
But one major question continues to dominate discussions - will Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue in ODIs until the 2027 World Cup, or will they choose a home series to bid farewell to ODI cricket?
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce9729e38fc_1741592361.jpg" width="561" height="317">
Both stalwarts have now won every major ICC trophy, cementing their legacies as two of India&rsquo;s greatest cricketers. Naturally, speculation about their future began swirling immediately after the victory.
However, both Rohit and Kohli were quick to dismiss any retirement rumors, making it clear that they are not done yet.
Rohit, in his typical style, laughed off the speculations, while Kohli reaffirmed his love for the game, stating that he still has a lot to offer to Indian cricket.
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&nbsp;
Some believe they might still decide to step away on a high, allowing the next generation to take over, while others feel that their hunger for ICC trophies could push them to aim for one final shot at World Cup glory in 2027.
Whatever they decide, one thing is certain, this 2025 Champions Trophy win has given them the perfect ending to their ICC trophy hunt. After years of heartbreak, they can finally say: We did it.
<img src="https://cdn.editorji.com/67ce97c665ec0_1741592518.jpg" width="571" height="323">
For now, though, Indian cricket can pause and celebrate. The 12-year wait is over. The heartbreaks of 2017 and 2023 have been avenged.
The Champions Trophy is coming home.

India secured their third Champions Trophy title with an unbeaten run, led by Rohit Sharma’s composed 76 and a stellar performance from the Indian spinners against New Zealand.

Rohit, Rahul, and spinners power India to third Champions Trophy triumph

India secured their third Champions Trophy title with an unbeaten run, led by Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s composed 76 and a stellar performance from the Indian spinners against New Zealand.

India secured an unprecedented third Champions Trophy triumph with an unblemished record, thanks to Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s combination of freedom and steely resolve.
The Indian spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav, dictated the terms of the match, and India won the trophy without losing a match, reflecting their dominance in the tournament they won back in 2002 and 2013.&nbsp;
No other team has won the event thrice.
Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s performance was not a one-man show, as the spinners set it up nicely by restricting the Kiwis to a gettable 251 for seven. Later Shreyas Iyer (48) and KL Rahul (34 not out) soaked in pressure, ensuring that the team stays unbeaten. Rohit&rsquo;s ebullient 83-ball 76 had already given them the cushion to overhaul the target in 49 overs.
KL Rahul with his 34 not out led the side past the finish line after India lost well-settled batters. Pacer Nathan Smith, who replaced injured Matt Henry in the line-up, felt the heat as Rohit hammered him for two sixes and as many fours in the beginning of the chase.
Shubman Gill (31), who helped Rohit raise 105 runs for the opening wicket, was more subdued and the lone spark in his innings was a maximum off spinner Rachin Ravindra. A stunning catch by Glenn Phillips off left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner ended his stay, and opened a creek for the Kiwis.&nbsp;
Virat Kohli came to the middle accompanied by loud cheers but his stay lasted just two balls, as an effort to turn Michael Bracewell off his pads saw the master batter getting trapped plumb in front.
Rohit had decided to knuckle down after racing to 49 in the Power Play. In the next 16 overs, he added only 27 runs more to his score, as he tried to play a rather forgotten role of innings building.
His belief in his own defense also seemed to have come back as he smothered Santner and Bracewell quite effectively.
India&rsquo;s spinners can rightfully claim a good chunk of credit for this victory. Kuldeep (2/40) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/45) were excellent alongside Axar and Ravindra Jadeja as the quartet conceded only 144 runs in the 38 overs bowled between them.
However, the start made by New Zealand did not justify the total that they eventually managed. They raced to 69 for 1 in 10 overs despite losing Will Young to Chakravarthy, who came in the sixth over.
The four-pronged Indian spin attack assumed control of the proceedings from that point, and New Zealand could not find a boundary for the next 81 balls.
Kuldeep and Varun found an appreciable turn off the deck, while Axar and Jadeja relied more on quickness to cramp Kiwis batters for space.
Chakravarthy mixed his endless ensemble of tricks and accounted for Phillips to end a promising 57-run alliance for the fifth wicket. Mitchell, who cleverly manipulated the field for singles and twos, brought up his fifty in 91 balls.
Towards the end, Bracewell&rsquo;s enterprise meant that Kiwis would get 50 runs in the last five overs, but the effort was way too less on the night that firmly belonged to India.&nbsp;

India clinched the ODI series against England with a 305-run chase in the 2nd ODI, led by Rohit Sharma’s century. However, Axar Patel’s promotion over KL Rahul raised questions about the team’s strategy.

Former India cricketer criticizes Axar Patel’s promotion ahead of KL Rahul in England ODIs

India clinched the ODI series against England with a 305-run chase in the 2nd ODI, led by Rohit Sharma&rsquo;s century. However, Axar Patel&rsquo;s promotion over KL Rahul raised questions about the team&rsquo;s strategy.

Team India successfully chased down a challenging target of 305 runs against England in the second ODI at Cuttack on Sunday, with skipper Rohit Sharma leading from the front with the bat.&nbsp;
While the victory appeared comfortable, certain decisions by the Gautam Gambhir-led team management have left experts puzzled. Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh was particularly vocal on social media, raising some critical questions about the team's approach.
One of the most debated decisions was sending all-rounder Axar Patel ahead of wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul, a move that has been repeated multiple times in this series.&nbsp;
Rahul, a natural top-order batter, has frequently had his batting position altered to fit the team&rsquo;s strategy. Additionally, despite not being a specialist wicketkeeper, he has been assigned the role to help balance the playing XI.
While the choice of Rahul over Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper hasn&rsquo;t sparked much controversy, his batting position has raised eyebrows. In the second ODI, Rahul was sent in at No. 6, behind Axar, who is primarily regarded as a bowling all-rounder.
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Axar Patel again ahead of KL Rahul? I&rsquo;m speechless. Does it make any sense to push a genuine batter like Rahul to no 6? When you&rsquo;re 5/3, do you&rsquo;ve the courage to send Axar on a tricky pitch? If not, what sense does this experiment make?Absolutely mindless this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a>
&mdash; Dodda Ganesh | ದೊಡ್ಡ ಗಣೇಶ್ (@doddaganesha) <a href="https://twitter.com/doddaganesha/status/1888609472152846415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 9, 2025</a></blockquote>
&nbsp;
"Axar Patel again ahead of KL Rahul? I'm speechless. Does it make any sense to push a genuine batter like Rahul to No. 6? When you're 5/3, do you have the courage to send Axar on a tricky pitch? If not, what sense does this experiment make? Absolutely mindless this," Ganesh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
One possible explanation behind this tactical decision is head coach Gautam Gambhir&rsquo;s preference for maintaining a left-hand and right-hand combination in the middle order. However, whether this approach truly benefits the team remains debatable.
As for the match itself, Rohit Sharma returned to form in spectacular fashion, notching up his 32nd ODI century. His innings laid the foundation for India's series-winning performance, propelling the hosts to a 2-0 lead with one game remaining.
"...when people have played for a number of years and scored so many runs over the years... that means something," Rohit said in a video shared by BCCI.
"I've played this game for a long time now and I understand what is required of me. So, it's just about going out there and doing your things, and what I did today was one of my things."
"In my mind, it was just about doing things that I do, trying to bat the way I do. I've been here long enough... one or two knocks are not going to change my mind and the way I bat. But (it was) just another day in the office," the 37-year-old added.
While India&rsquo;s performance in the series has been commendable, the persistent changes in batting positions raise important questions. Tactical flexibility is crucial in modern cricket, but constant experimentation with key players could lead to inconsistency.
If these adjustments ultimately help the team in high-pressure situations, they might be justified. However, if such decisions backfire in crucial games, they could be viewed as unnecessary tinkering with a settled lineup. Only time will tell whether these strategic moves pay off in the long run.
With the third and final ODI approaching, it remains to be seen whether India will continue with this approach or make further adjustments. Will the team persist with the left-hand right-hand combination, or will they opt for a more conventional batting order?
Given the series is already won, this match could serve as an opportunity for further experimentation or a chance to solidify a stable lineup ahead of future challenges.

India's ODI lineup sparks debate on optimal batting order as KL Rahul bats No. 6 over Pant.

India's KL Rahul vs. Rishabh Pant Selection

India's cricket dilemma: KL Rahul vs. Rishabh Pant in ODIs

India's ODI lineup sparks debate on optimal batting order as KL Rahul bats No. 6 over Pant.

Towards the end of the second ODI between India and England in Cuttack, the broadcaster&rsquo;s camera briefly panned to Rishabh Pant sitting in the dug-out, wearing the sleeveless green fluorescent bib which is mandatory for the reserves.
On the field, it was KL Rahul batting at No.6, an unusually low position for the man who has been preferred over Pant.
Ravi Shastri, who was on air, didn&rsquo;t hold back while talking about what he felt about a specialist top-order batter like Rahul coming in at No.6 instead of bowling all-rounder Axar Patel, who was promoted to No.5 during the first two games.
Many in Indian cricket shared Shastri&rsquo;s sentiments and are also wondering where does it leave an explosive game-changer like Pant if the management remains firm on the left-right combination formula to promote Axar above Rahul.
If ends justify the means, then head coach Gautam Gambhir stood vindicated after Axar scored 52 and 41 not out in the first two games even though he came in at a time when India were well on course for victory.
&ldquo;India would be thinking about the composition in the next game and Champions Trophy. There is Rishabh Pant sitting on the bench. There are certain questions to answer," Shastri said on air for host broadcasters Star Sports.
Pant&rsquo;s 871 runs at an average of just over 33 in 31 ODIs aren&rsquo;t exactly great numbers but cricket metrics over the years have changed. One also has to look at the kind of impact a player can make during certain passages of play.
If Rahul is being seen as someone, who will come to bat after 30th or the 35th over in ODIs, there is every chance that Pant might make more impact than him.
Rahul has had four knocks at No. 6 in which his tally is 42 runs off 46 balls. His highest score is 31. Pant has tallied 45 runs in two games. He also faced 46 balls in these two games with 28 being his highest score.
Also, one has to wonder whether Rahul&rsquo;s batting capabilities are being fully utilised at No.6.
While Indian bowlers haven&rsquo;t let England off the hook in both ODIs, Rahul the batter, who scored more than 450 runs (452) in the 2023 ODI World Cup at No. 5, is coming at a position that is perhaps not suited to his style of play.
&ldquo;Gautam always looks at the team&rsquo;s requirements and he finds KL suitable at No.6 as it helps him keep the left-right combination intact. Now Axar has scored runs at No.5 and it does leave Pant in a tricky place.
&ldquo;It will be tough to slot him in if this is the batting combination they are looking at," a former India player, who has seen Gambhir&rsquo;s tactical moves from close quarters, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
What has baffled many is how can Rahul, who has given his best at No. 5 and the opening slot in ODIs, be batting below a bowling all-rounder.
&ldquo;KL has been outstanding at No.5 for India. He scored nearly 1300 runs (1259)and enjoys a strike-rate of near 100 (95.45) with an average close to 60. These are exceptional numbers and why do you want to reinvent the wheel?" a livid former national selector questioned the experiment.
But then the counter-argument could be that Axar&rsquo;s elevation has yielded tje desired results. It&rsquo;s another matter that nobody yet knows whether Axar is a good enough candidate to be sent on days when India could be 20 for 3.
So why send Rahul only in challenging conditions and not allow him to also get some easy runs like Axar?
Another former India player, who has worked with Gambhir said that come what may, the former opener will play eight batters irrespective of format.
&ldquo;If you want batting till No. 8, you have got to play multi-skilled players and if Axar is playing then Pant can&rsquo;t play. And Axar will play in these conditions.
&ldquo;Hence not just it is an unfortunate situation for Pant, who is not finding a slot in the side, it is also going to be tough for Rahul as his game isn&rsquo;t suited for four drop," he said.

The selection of India’s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is set to be challenging, with players like KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja facing uncertainty about their places in the team. 

India’s CT 2025 Squad Selection: Key Players Under Scrutiny for Champions Trophy

The selection of India&rsquo;s squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy is set to be challenging, with players like KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja facing uncertainty about their places in the team.&nbsp;

Out-of-form veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will continue to form the batting core of India's ODI squad but there are at least three senior players whose future in the 50-over format could be debated when the selectors gather this weekend to pick the squad for the Champions Trophy.
KL Rahul, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja's presence in the side is not a surety for the event starting February 19 even though they were a part of last year's World Cup.
Since the final, India have played six ODIs and while Shami and Jadeja were rested, Rahul was included for both the away bilateral engagements against South Africa and Sri Lanka.
Against Sri Lanka, however, he was dropped in the middle of the series after failing to get going in the middle overs. The world is also yet to forget how his sedate half century after using up 100-plus deliveries became a prime reason for India's loss on November 19, 2023 against Australia.
It is understood that Yashasvi Jaiswal has a very bright chance of making it to the ODI squad. His inclusion would ensure a left-handed batter in the top four.
But if Rishabh Pant is the first-choice wicketkeeper, then would there be any point in having Rahul as the back-up? And if Rahul is not keeping, his place as a batter is not guaranteed.
Among his closest competitors, Ishan Kishan hasn't scored enough runs in the Vijay Hazare Trophy while Sanju Samson hasn't been picked by Kerala after he missed the initial games.
If coach Gautam Gambhir still has his say in selection matters like he did till the disastrous Australia tour, then Samson, one of his personal favourites, will surely make the cut.
India will play all their Champions Trophy games in Dubai, starting with the clash against Bangladesh on February 20. This was after the team refused to travel to original hosts Pakistan citing security concerns.
&nbsp;
Jadeja's white-ball woes
Jadeja's white ball batting hasn't been as good as it used to be and those who are tracking the selection committee feel that Axar Patel is being seen as way more effective in the ODIs at the moment.
Washington Sundar is expected to make it as an off-spinner but Kuldeep Yadav's fitness is something that selectors would be fretting on. Kuldeep is near full fitness but hasn't played a Vijay Hazare Trophy game.
In case Kuldeep fails to make it, one among Ravi Bishnoi or Varun Chakravarthy is expected to be picked.
&nbsp;
Shami's fitness
Coming to Mohammed Shami, the veteran pacer's communication with the team management and the selection committee on his fitness status didn't seem to have the required clarity.
However, he has bowled eight overs each in the last two Vijay Hazare Trophy games and in case Jasprit Bumrah fails to make it due to back spasms, Shami's experience will become crucial for the side.
Hardik Pandya is the seam bowling all-rounder and it will be interesting to see if Nitish Reddy will be considered.
Among the reserve specialist batters, the choice could be between Rinku Singh and Tilak Varma.
&nbsp;
Champions Trophy (In Contention):
Rohit Sharma (capt), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy/Ravi Bishnoi, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan/Mohammed Shami, Rinku Singh/Tilak Varma.

He's had some great performances over the tournament. He's had to rebuild a lot of the times: Klusener

KL Rahul has not done bad at all with the bat in IPL 2024: LSG back under fire skipper

LSG backed their under fire skipper and stated that KL Rahul might feel a bit frustrated but he has not done "bad at all" with the bat.

<h2>He's had some great performances over the tournament. He's had to rebuild a lot of the times: Klusener</h2>

KL Rahul might feel a bit frustrated but he has not done "bad at all" with the bat, said assistant coach Lance Klusener, who feels the Lucknow Super Giants skipper was forced to curb his attacking instincts with wickets falling around him this IPL.
Rahul, who has been in focus for his strike rate more often than not, is the seventh highest run-getter this season with 465 runs at 136.36 in 13 matches including three fifties and yet LSG find themselves on the brink of elimination.
On Friday, the seventh-placed LSG will take on Mumbai Indians in what would be the final group match for both the teams in this IPL.
"He's had some great performances over the tournament. He's had to rebuild a lot of the times. We've lost wickets around him. We haven't allowed him to play his natural game," Klusener replied when asked if the skipper was burdened with the captaincy role combined with getting runs for his side.
&ldquo;It's easy to just sit and think, &lsquo;oh, well, he hasn't had a great tournament'. But if you look at his numbers, they're actually not bad at all, considering the circumstances that he's had to bat,&rdquo; he told the media during LSG&rsquo;s training session here at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.
&ldquo;He's got the respect of the group. In terms of his captaincy, it's been outstanding. (But) if he looks back, he might just be a little frustrated with the amount of runs that he scored,&rdquo; Klusener said.
The former South African cricketer said Rahul was left to rebuild the innings on several occasions during the league phase which did not allow him to flourish with his natural game.
&ldquo;If you look at the circumstances, he's had to rebuild a lot of the time while he's been batting, so the batting group around him haven't done him too many favours either,&rdquo; he said.
Klusener also refused to put the blame on any specific reason as to why the team failed to perform up to its potential.
&ldquo;I'm a big believer that the bowling group plays a huge role in winning T20 games. But there's no blame at anyone's door,&rdquo; he said.
&ldquo;It's just a consistency as a group that has led us down this year. We haven't scored enough runs and again, we haven't taken enough wickets as well. You put all that together and that's why you end up where we are on the log." Klusener said they still have a chance of making IPL playoffs &mdash; given they beat MI on Friday and other results go their way &mdash; and would focus on winning.
&ldquo;We're not resigned to any fact. We're just in a position where we can only make sure that we get over the line tomorrow. We've had enough opportunities over the course of the competition to make sure we don't have to rely on others,&rdquo; he said.
Mumbai Indians&rsquo; Naman Dhir, meanwhile, admitted that MI&rsquo;s bowlers could have done better to support Jasprit Bumrah, who is second in the list of most successful bowlers with 20 wickets.
&ldquo;Sometimes we batted well or sometimes we bowled well. The coaches have also spoken with us that it was not our season, yet we worked hard. Yes, Jasprit bhai did not get enough support to his bowling in some matches, but we will learn from it,&rdquo; he said.

This spectacular effort sent Shai Hope back to the pavilion for 38 runs, significantly impacting the game's dynamics. The wicket not only halted the flourishing partnership but also provided the Lucknow Super Giants with a much-needed breakthrough.

Watch: KL Rahul takes a difficult diving catch on second attempt to dismiss Shai Hope | DC vs LSG IPL

LSG captain KL Rahul took a superb catch to dismiss Delhi Capitals' Shai Hope.

Tap to watch

#DCvLSG #KLRahul #IPL2024

This spectacular effort sent Shai Hope back to the pavilion for 38 runs, significantly impacting the game's dynamics. The wicket not only halted the flourishing partnership but also provided the Lucknow Super Giants with a much-needed breakthrough.

LSG captain KL Rahul showcased his exceptional fielding skills to dismiss Delhi Capitals' Shai Hope during a thrilling match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Rahul's pivotal catch brought an end to a threatening 92-run partnership between Shai Hope and Abishek Porel, a stand that had the potential to swing the game in favor of the Delhi Capitals and away from the Lucknow Super Giants.
The moment of brilliance came in the 10th over with Ravi Bishnoi delivering a flat ball. Shai Hope, batting confidently, struck the ball with immense power towards the cover region. Positioned at cover, KL Rahul made an initial attempt to catch the ball to his right, but the sheer force and awkward height of the shot made it challenging. The ball popped out of his hands and lobbed to his right. Demonstrating quick reflexes and agility, Rahul swiftly moved, diving and managing to secure the catch with both hands just before the ball could touch the ground.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Taken on the second attempt 😎 Partnership broken thanks to a Klassy catch 💪 Watch the match LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JioCinema</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> 💻📱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DCvLSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DCvLSG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/klrahul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@klrahul</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LucknowIPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LucknowIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/0EVa392SKT">pic.twitter.com/0EVa392SKT</a>
&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1790395049190064398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
This spectacular effort sent Shai Hope back to the pavilion for 38 runs, significantly impacting the game's dynamics. The wicket not only halted the flourishing partnership but also provided the Lucknow Super Giants with a much-needed breakthrough.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/t20-world-cup/watch-ravi-shastri-reveals-his-funny-way-to-get-rishabh-pant-from-not-playing-reverse-sweep-1715688432648">Watch: Ravi Shastri reveals his funny way to get Rishabh Pant from not playing reverse sweep</a>

They didn't give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings: KL Rahul

KL Rahul left shell-shocked with Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma Mayhem | IPL 2024, SRH vs LSG

LSG skipper KL Rahul said they were completely outplayed by the incredible power-hitting of SRH openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma terming it "unreal batting."

<h2>They didn't give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings: KL Rahul</h2>

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul on Wednesday said they were completely outplayed by the incredible power-hitting of Sunrisers Hyderabad's openers Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma terming it "unreal batting." Head and Sharma added another chapter to their remorseless domination over bowlers while carving lightning fast unbeaten fifties to power SRH to a convincing 10-wicket win over LSG in a crucial IPL match.
Chasing a modest 166, Head (89 not out, 30 balls, 8x4s, 8x6s) and Sharma (75 not out, 28 balls, 8x4s, 6x6s) toyed with LSG bowlers, finding boundaries and sixes at will to canter home in just 9.4 overs.
"I am at lost for words. We have watched that kind of batting on TV. But this is unreal batting. Everything seemed to find the middle of the bat. Kudos to their skills. They have worked hard on their six hitting skills.
"They didn't give us a chance to know what the pitch played in the second innings. It was hard to stop them as they teed off from ball one," he said.
This was after SRH bowlers started brilliantly before Badoni (55 not out off 30 balls) and Pooran (48 not out off 25 balls) stitched crucial 95-runs off 55 balls for the unbeaten fifth-wicket stand to guide LSG to a competitive 165 for four on a sluggish pitch.
Rahul blamed the defeat on their poor display with the bat in powerplay, from which they scored just 27 runs for the loss of two wickets.
"Once you are on the losing side, there are question marks on the decisions taken. We were 40-50 runs short. When we lost wickets in the powerplay, we couldn't get any momentum.
"Ayush (Badoni) and Nicky (Nicholas Pooran) batted well to get us to 166. But even if we would have got 240, they could have chased it as well," he admitted.
SRH skipper Pat Cummins said that it was an "unreal" batting display from Head and Sharma.
"The boys (Head and Sharma) have had a fantastic season, but to win this with less than 10 overs played is unreal," he said.
"We just let them go, they are two guys who are very positive and I'm a bowler, it is tough for me to give them any inputs." Cummins was effusive in his praise for both Head and Sharma.
"He's (Head) been like this for 2 years, he hits the tough areas, hits the middle a lot, might not be super conventional.
"(Abhishek) Just an incredible player of spin and pace. With just 2 fielders out, it is really difficult for the bowlers against them," he said.
Head, who was adjudged player-of-the-match for his pyrotechnics, said he was really enjoying batting with Sharma as they compliment each other well.
"Lots of fun today. Nice to get this done in 10 overs. Abhi (Sharma) and I have had a few partnerships like this. Just concentrate on getting in good positions, watch the ball hard and try to maximise the powerplay," he said.
"I know how hard he (Abhishek Sharma) works and how deep he thinks, his spin play is second to none. We compliment each other very well. Nice to see him back amongst the runs after missing out in the last couple of games." Abhishek thanks Lara, Yuvraj ===================== After his hurricane fifty, Abhishek thanked two left-handers, who had thrilled the audience during their playing days, for his success in the on-going IPL -- Yuvraj Singh and Brian Lara.
"I think the hard work I put in before the tournament is showing now, thanks to Yuvi Paaji, Brian (Lara) as well and my father, who is my first coach," he said.
Abhishek also thanked the SRH team management for the trust shown in him.
"I would never think of coming to such a tournament and playing at such a strike rate, but thanks to the team management.
"The message was clear from them and I backed myself." There was a special mention of his opening partner -- Head.
"All the credit goes to him (Head). The way he starts against all bowlers...he goes after them from the start and takes the pressure off me."

Rishabh Pant was considered a sure-shot selection after he made an impressive return from a 15-month injury break at the IPL. The selectors, however, opted for Kerala batter Sanju Samson as the second option ahead of Rahul.

Video: Why was KL Rahul not selected for T20 World Cup? Chief selector Ajit Agarkar answers

Rishabh Pant was considered a sure-shot selection after he made an impressive return from a 15-month injury break at the IPL. The selectors, however, opted for Kerala batter Sanju Samson as the second option ahead of Rahul.

BCCI announced Team India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup on April 30 and while the squad was anticipated, there were few comebacks and some surprising exclusions. Rinku Singh's exclusion was the most surprising one however, KL Rahul's snub also came in as a surprise for the fans.
Providing clarity on KL Rahul's exclusion, BCCI's chief selector, while addressing the media said, "KL is a terrific player. We all know that. The thing we are obviously looking at is guys who bat in the middle. At the moment, KL is batting at the top. Rishabh, not opening the innings. We feel Sanju has the ability to come down the order if need be. Rishabh is batting at 5 for Delhi. That was more the thinking. It wasn't whether KL is better or these guys are better. It's about the slots that we needed and we felt these two are better equipped at this point or have spent bit more time in the latter part of the innings which might be needed in the World Cup. So, that's mainly the thinking. Two incredible players as well"
Lucknow Super Giants captain is currently among the top five scorers in the Indian Premier League with 406 runs to his name in 10 games.

By the end of the 13th over, LSG had reached 135/3, but the expected late onslaught to push the score past the 200-mark didn&rsquo;t materialize. Instead, LSG could only finish with&nbsp; 196/5.

IPL 2024: Fifties from KL Rahul, Deepak Hooda take LSG to 196 despite poor start against RR

At 135/3 after 13 overs, a late onslaught was on the cards but the much-needed flourish never arrived for LSG. 

Here's how the innings panned out.

#IPL2024 #LSGvRR

<h2>By the end of the 13th over, LSG had reached 135/3, but the expected late onslaught to push the score past the 200-mark didn&rsquo;t materialize. Instead, LSG could only finish with&nbsp; 196/5.</h2>

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) saw a significant shift in momentum after a shaky start to their innings. Put into bat first, LSG initially faltered, losing opener Quinton de Kock and No. 3 Marcus Stoinis in the opening overs, which could have spelled disaster. However, the tide turned dramatically thanks to a stellar partnership between captain KL Rahul and Deepak Hooda.
From a precarious position of 11/2, Rahul and Hooda took control, steering their team through troubled waters with a combination of careful strategy and assertive batting. The pair successfully stitched together a 115-run stand, marking it as the third-highest partnership in the history of the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. This significant effort by the duo stabilized the innings and laid a solid foundation for a competitive total.
Their partnership not only helped LSG recover from early losses but also set the stage for a potential high scoring innings as they ramped up the run rate to around 10. Hooda played a crucial role in this partnership, crafting a well-made 50 before getting dismissed. His departure, however, led to a slight dip in the team's run rate, which coincided with Nicholas Pooran&rsquo;s struggle to make an impact at the crease.
Following Pooran's quick exit, the situation worsened when KL Rahul, after anchoring the innings with a commendable 76, was also dismissed. This double blow allowed the Rajasthan team to claw their way back into the contest, shifting the momentum once again.
By the end of the 13th over, LSG had reached 135/3, but the expected late onslaught to push the score past the 200-mark didn&rsquo;t materialize. Instead, LSG concluded their innings at 196/5, a total that was competitive yet somewhat short of what seemed possible during the heights of Rahul and Hooda&rsquo;s partnership.
<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/t20-world-cup/hardik-pandya-shouldn-t-be-given-so-much-priority-irfan-pathan-ahead-of-t20-world-cup-selection-1714216184579">Hardik Pandya shouldn't be given so much priority: Irfan Pathan ahead of T20 World Cup selection</a>

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya's indifferent batting form remains a worry for the national selection panel.

KL Rahul slightly ahead of Sanju Samson in race for 2nd wicketkeeper at T20 World Cup 2024 - Report

KL Rahul is believed to be slightly ahead of Sanju Samson in the race for the second wicketkeeper's slot as the BCCI is expected to announce Team India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup by the end of this month.

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya's indifferent batting form remains a worry for the national selection panel.

KL Rahul is believed to be slightly ahead of Sanju Samson in the race for the second wicketkeeper's slot, according to a report in the PTI.
The BCCI is expected to announce Team India's 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup by the end of this month.
Apart from that, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya's indifferent batting form remains a worry for the national selection panel.
The other bone of contention in drafting the final squad could be the choice of an extra bowler.
It remains to be seen whether an extra pace bowler in Avesh Khan will be accommodated or whether the choice would be between Lucknow Super Giants leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel considering the low and slow tracks in the West Indies.
It is understood that skipper Rohit Sharma is likely to have a meeting with the chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar to discuss the outline of the team.
With the ICC setting a May 1 deadline for the announcement of 15-member squads, the BCCI is expected to reveal the names anytime between the end of this week and the beginning of next week.
Pandya has so far bowled 17 overs out of a possible 32 in eight games for MI.
As a designated finisher, he has hit only seven sixes in these games, which is below par by every measure. The free-flowing bat swing is completely missing in the 150-odd runs that he has scored in the tournament so far at a strike rate of 142.
However, Pandya can be called a 'TINA' option (There Is No Alternative) for the selectors as Shivam Dube, who is also expected to board the New York bound flight, isn't bowling either.
Also in terms of skill and pace, Dube the bowler isn't anywhere close to Pandya but his current batting form (22 sixes in eight games) can't be ignored either.
It can be safely concluded that Rishabh Pant, who is now third among the top run-getters in the competition with 342 at a strike rate of 161, has sealed his place as the team's No. 1 keeper-batter and also as a designated finisher.
The fight is pretty intense for the second keeper's slot and despite KL Rahul (302 at 141 SR) not batting in the middle-order, his range of strokes might just help him pip Samson (314 at SR 152).
Samson might again have to be content with being a stand-by inclusion like last year's 50-over World Cup.
The five bowlers, who have all but sealed their places are Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
However save Bumrah and Kuldeep, the other Indian bowlers haven't been in great form during IPL and hence the choice of an extra bowler becomes very important.
It will be a three-way fight between Rajasthan Royals' pacer Avesh, Delhi Capitals left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar and Lucknow Super Giants leg-spinner Bishnoi.
Avesh, who has improved a lot as far as his death bowling is concerned, has eight wickets from as many matches with an economy rate of 9.41 while Bishnoi has only taken five wickets but on flat tracks, his economy of 8.47 can be considered impressive.
Axar, who has seven scalps from nine games but is bowling at an rate of just above 7, would be a brilliant choice too taking the conditions into consideration.
Add to it, his batting prowess, scoring runs at a strike of 132, and also the fact that he is a very good all-round fielder.

Ajinkya Rahane's wicket in the very first over may belong to Matt Henry but it could have easily gone into the keeper's column.

Watch: KL Rahul the keeper grabs a one-hand blinder to dismiss Ajinkya Rahane | IPL 2024, CSK vs LSG

They say humans can't fly but KL Rahul certainly can. The LSG skipper showcased his Superman skills against CSK as he took a one-hand blinder behind the stumps. Tap to watch

Ajinkya Rahane's wicket in the very first over may belong to Matt Henry but it could have easily gone into the keeper's column.

They say humans can't fly but KL Rahul certainly can. The Lucknow Super Giants skipper showcased his Superman skills against the Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday as he took a one-hand blinder behind the stumps.
Ajinkya Rahane's wicket in the very first over may belong to Matt Henry but it could have easily gone into the keeper's column.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A flying KL Rahul caught in HD 🤩🤯 The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LSG</a> skipper takes a blinder to send Rahane packing!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSKvLSG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSKvLSG</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioCinema?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioCinema</a> <a href="https://t.co/1eh8m5ckhr">pic.twitter.com/1eh8m5ckhr</a>
&mdash; JioCinema (@JioCinema) <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema/status/1782776972327670117?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
Earlier, LSG skipper Rahul won the toss and elected to bowl against CSK. Rahul cited dew as the reason behind his call to chase against CSK.
The Chennai side made one change to their eleven, bringing in Daryll Mitchell for fellow Kiwi Rachin Ravindra, who has been out of form.
LSG made no changes to their eleven from the last match.
Teams: Lucknow Super Giants: Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul (wk/c), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur.
Chennai Super Kings: Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni (wk), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana.

KL Rahul was pleased to get most of his decisions right as he guided his team to a convincing 8-wicket win over defending champions CSK.

KL Rahul describes how his bowlers got 'intimidated' as MS Dhoni walked in to bat | IPL 2024, LSG vs CSK

LSG skipper KL Rahul felt that his side could have restricted CSK to around 160 but MS Dhoni made the difference. Here is his full statement

KL Rahul was pleased to get most of his decisions right as he guided his team to a convincing 8-wicket win over defending champions CSK.

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul was pleased to get most of his decisions right as he guided his team to a convincing 8-wicket win over defending champions Chennai Super Kings in an IPL 2024 match on Friday.
Rahul had a good day in office as he was spot-on with his bowling changes and also took two catches and affected a stumping before returning to smash a match-winning 53-ball 82 to boot with.
"Feels good at the end of the day, When you win, looks like you make all the decisions right," said Rahul, who was adjudged the Player of the Match, during the post-match presentation.
"Impossible to get all right. Depends on the kind of wicket we are playing on and the kind of batters there are. We spend time doing homework on tactics and strategy and we spoke about them not settling against one style of bowling."
LSG had kept things under control before Moeen Ali (30 off 20) and MS Dhoni (28 off 9) went on a six-hitting spree to take CSK to a fighting 176 for six.
"Halfway stage, I would have been happy with 160. Felt the wicket was slow, a bit of grip but not too much. 160-165 would have been ideal.
"But MSD walks in and the bowlers feel intimidated. He walks in and bowlers were under pressure, the crowd was really loud, he has done it in the past."
Chasing 177, Rahul (82) and De Kock (54) batted with authority during their match-winning alliance of 134, the highest partnership for any wicket at the Ekana Stadium, as LSG scored 180 for 2 in 19 overs.
"Felt that if we bat well, we could chase it down. I have been trying to assess the situation and today it came off. With Chennai's spinners, they tried to put brakes on us," he said.
"We tried to get to a good start. Tried to take them down, luckily it came off. When your partnership goes on, you can take a few more chances. Glad that it happened." Ruturaj Gaikwad, the CSK captain, said his team was 10-15 runs short with dew coming in.
"We finished off very well, couldn't have asked for more. But after powerplay, we couldn't kick on till 14-15th over. We lost wickets regularly and were 10-15 short.
"Slightly difficult to bat but with Impact Player rule you need an extra batter. With dew coming on later, felt 180-190 could have been good."
CSK bowlers couldn't produce a breakthrough as Rahul and De Kock batted well in the powerplay and Gaikwad agreed they needed to bowl better in the first six overs.
"[Bowling in the powerplay] is one area we would like to improve, puts opposition on the back foot if we can get wickets in the powerplay. Good to play them again soon, will come back with homework done," he said.
The two teams will again face off on April 23 at Chepauk.

Rahul, who is coming back from a quadriceps injury and is not expected to keep wickets at the beginning of the IPL, is still not a certainty in the Indian T20 squad

If KL Rahul performs well in IPL, reward will be T20 World Cup slot: LSG head coach Justin Langer

If KL Rahul leads Lucknow Super Giants to their maiden IPL title, he will automatically be rewarded with a spot in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, reckons head coach Justin Langer

Rahul, who is coming back from a quadriceps injury and is not expected to keep wickets at the beginning of the IPL, is still not a certainty in the Indian T20 squad

If KL Rahul leads Lucknow Super Giants to their maiden IPL title, he will automatically be rewarded with a spot in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, reckons head coach Justin Langer, who wants his team's national hopefuls to "concentrate" on doing well for the franchise first.
Rahul, who is coming back from a quadriceps injury and is not expected to keep wickets at the beginning of the IPL, is still not a certainty in the Indian T20 squad and only a good IPL with both the bat and gloves can seal the deal for him.
Asked how he would balance his skipper's personal ambition with the team's interests, Langer said it isn't all that complicated.
"If the team does well, everyone gets rewarded. If KL can captain LSG to the IPL title, that means he would have captained well, batted well and kept wickets well," Langer replied to a PTI query during a season-opening media interaction on Wednesday.
Apart from Rahul, the other serious T20 World Cup contender from LSG is leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
"The message for players, like KL or Bishi (Bishnoi) will be that the more they concentrate on playing well for LSG, their chances (of WT20 call-up) will increase."
Rahul is expected to link up with the team on Wednesday evening due to a flight delay but the former Australian opener didn't say a word about when the star player will start keeping.
"He has followed all the 'Return To Play' protocols and he has been hitting a lot of balls."
With foreign recruits Mark Wood and David Willey ruled out of the tournament, Lucknow Super Giants' pace bowling unit looks thin on experience.
Shivam Mavi, the injury-prone pacer, hasn't played competitive cricket since August 2023 while Delhi's talented tearaway quick Mayank Yadav was out of the entire Ranji Trophy season with a side strain.
Mohsin Khan, the find of the 2022 IPL, has had injury issues and Yash Thakur isn't very experienced at the tournament level.
"It is a very good observation that we lack some experience in pace department but there is an enormous talent. The pacers -- they all look fit, healthy and hungry.
"We need to manage them well not just at the start but through the whole tournament. Among pacers Naveen (ul Haq) has played a lot of T20 cricket," the 2021 T20 World Cup and multiple Ashes-winning coach, said.
The coach seemed mighty impressed with Mayank and said he seems to be a phenomenal talent with "serious pace".
Apart from Naveen, the other overseas fast bowler is Shamar Joseph, the West Indies sensation, who has won hearts with his performances in the recent two Tests in Australia.
However, with very little T20 experience even in the Caribbean Premier League, will he come in handy in IPL? Langer sounded bullish.
"He didn't have experience even before going into two Test matches," Langer sounded dismissive about the experience bit.
"I was commentating and I saw him take seven wickets in 37 degrees, 80 per cent humidity and a broken toe. He is an incredible athlete. Smile, spirit, athleticism and skill, he has got all those ingredients that you need to succeed. Another talented guy is Mayank."
Langer was also pretty confident about the spin bowling arsenal of his team, especially Bishnoi and the 41-year-old veteran leg-break bowler Amit Mishra.
Tamil Nadu's left-arm spinner M Siddharth has also caught the coach's attention.
"He (Bishnoi) is an outstanding bowler. I love his energy. I watched his training. There is no better pure leg-spinner than Mishi (Mishra's nickname). I saw young M Siddarth, who bowled a maiden over first-up in a training game. There is Krishnappa Gowtham."
Gautam Gambhir was the mentor of LSG before he joined KKR ahead of this season. Asked whether the fans can expect a face-off with the feisty former India player, Langer said there is only admiration for the work he did with the franchise.
"There is no face-off. I was disappointed when he left for KKR but he is a real hero in KKR. We have been good friends," said Langer, who had once conducted personalised coaching sessions for Gambhir in Perth, when he needed to sort out his game against the short ball.
"But then when we play DC, my good friend Ricky Ponting is the coach, in CSK, Stephen Fleming and Mike Hussey are friends."
For Langer, coaching an IPL team is quite similar to coaching an international team.
"It is only at domestic level that you get players for pre-season. At international level, players only assemble before the competition phase. So it is pretty similar." Having guided Australia to a T20 World Cup title, Langer said that he knows the "blue-print of success" but it will be important to execute the plans.
"I have been sleeping well for the past two years after I left coaching Australia. Now I will have sleepless nights in fitting so much talent in just 11 slots," he said referring to his forced break he had to take after leaving the Australia job for not getting a long-term contract following discontent among players.

Rahul had once again suffered a strain in his quadriceps during the first Test against England in Hyderabad and even though he was expected to join the team by the third game, the stylish right-hander felt a tightness in his muscles and skipped all t

 All clear from NCA: KL Rahul may not keep initially in IPL, Pooran or De Kock to don keeping gloves

Rahul had once again suffered a strain in his quadriceps during the first Test against England in Hyderabad and even though he was expected to join the team by the third game, the stylish right-hander felt a tightness in his muscles and skipped all the remaining games.

<h2>Rahul had once again suffered a strain in his quadriceps during the first Test against England in Hyderabad and even though he was expected to join the team by the third game.</h2>

Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul is all set to play for his franchise from the opening IPL game after getting all clear from the National Cricket Academy but he has been advised against wicket-keeping in the first few games.
Rahul had once again suffered a strain in his quadriceps during the first Test against England in Hyderabad and even though he was expected to join the team by the third game, the stylish right-hander felt a tightness in his muscles and skipped all the remaining games.
Rahul posted a short video of his batting, basic keeping drills and outfield practice at the NCA.
"The NCA has given him clearance and he will join his mates in Lucknow on Thursday (March 20) before they travel to Jaipur for the opening game against Rajasthan Royals on March 24. It is understood that he has been told to avoid squatting initially and he can don the big gloves in coming days. For first few games, he will only play as pure batter," a BCCI source tracking the developments of LSG told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
It is understood that even the franchise isn't losing its sleep over Rahul's keeping as they have two quality short-format glovesmen in former Proteas star Quinton de Kock and West Indies' Nicholas Pooran, who is also vice-captain for this season.
However, for Rahul, keeping will be an important aspect of his game if he has to stake claim for a spot in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies in June.
"Rahul will not be considered for a top-three slot in the Indian T20 team considering his previous performances. He can be that keeper-batter at Nos 5 or 6 if he has a decent IPL. But if he plays purely as a batter, you have a far better option in Rinku Singh, apart from Rishabh Pant, who might just stake a claim with some power-packed performances," a BCCI source privy to developments, said.
Also See: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/cricket/ipl-2024-lsg-preview-check-lucknow-super-giants-players-list-full-squad-probable-xi-matches-schedule-1710765337700">IPL 2024 LSG Preview: Check Lucknow Super Giants players list, full squad, probable XI, matches, schedule</a>

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