Cricket

Aakash Chopra lauds KL Rahul’s performances in 2025 Champions Trophy

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra hailed KL Rahul’s performances in the 2025 Champions Trophy. India lifted their third Champions Trophy title after beating New Zealand by four wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai on Sunday.

Rahul added the finishing touches in the run-chase of 252, scoring a crucial knock of 34 runs off just 33 balls. The flamboyant batter added 38 runs with Hardik Pandya to take India close to the target.

Rahul scored a total of 140 runs in four innings of the eight-team tournament at an average of 140 and a strike rate of 97.90. The wicket-keeper bat also scored a crucial knock of 42 runs off 34 balls in the semifinal against Australia.

Chopra hailed Rahul for his consistent performances while batting at number six.

“KL Rahul is blamed whenever anything goes wrong. However, the way he has played in this entire tournament. Axar Patel comes at No. 5 and he (Rahul) plays at No. 6. The No. 6 guy gets to bat only when there is a little pressure, and this is the sort of pitch where batting keeps getting tougher as the old gets older,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

The renowned commentator lauded Rahul for showing all the calmness while batting and taking the onus on his shoulders.

“The six he hit off (Mitchell) Santner’s bowling, there were many pivotal moments like that. Run-a-ball was required to be scored and he did that. He stood till the end. He is the one who gives you calmness. In fact, in the last match, he even asked Kohli why he was hitting as he (Rahul) would take the risk. He takes the responsibility to help his partner reach a hundred,” Chopra added.

Chopra also lauded the consistent performances of Shreyas Iyer. The right-hander scored 243 runs in five matches of the tournament and also scored a crucial knock of 48 runs in the summit clash against the Kiwis.

“I am going to talk about Iyer. Maybe slightly lesser popular choice because the focus is more on players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. An interesting stat was that his strike rate has always been better than his partner. It means he removes the pressure from his partner,” he said.

“Until he is on the ground, he keeps you slightly ahead in the game. You don’t expect eight to ten runs per over on these kinds of pitches, but you don’t want wickets to fall and want five to six runs per over being scored. He does that job easily and did that in this match too. Shreyas Iyer is the new Shreyas Mr Consistent Iyer,” Chopra elaborated.

Both Iyer and Rahul will be seen playing for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals respectively in the IPL.

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

Irfan Pathan opens up on India’s playing 11 changes for ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan feels the Indian fast bowlers would be tired ahead of… Read More

July 31, 2025

Dhruv Jurel’s childhood coach reveals Gautam Gambhir’s inspiring chat with wicket-keeper ahead of 5th ENG vs IND 2025 Test

With Dhruv Jurel all set to replace injured Rishabh Pant in the fifth Test match… Read More

July 31, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin backs Ravindra Jadeja to bat at no.5 in 5th Test against England

Former Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin feels Ravindra Jadeja can bat at number five in the… Read More

July 30, 2025

Aakash Chopra lauds Shubman Gill’s century in ENG vs IND 2025 4th Test

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has showered praise on captain Shubman Gill for continuing… Read More

July 30, 2025

Shubman Gill rates Manchester hundred as most pleasing ahead of 5th Test against England

Former Indian captain Shubman Gill has rated the Old Trafford century as the most pleasing… Read More

July 29, 2025

Brad Haddin backs England to win final Test match against India in Anderson-Tendulkar series

Former Australian wicket-keeper bat Brad Haddin has backed England to win the fifth and final… Read More

July 29, 2025