KL Rahul Reprimands Virat Kohli On The Field Openly

Just after a huge shot for a six over the long-on region from KL Rahul, Virat Kohli tried to imitate the wicket-keeper batter in the same shot two balls later in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against Australia.

The Bengaluru-born wasn’t pleased with the shot from the veteran as they could have slipped from a strong position towards the end of the game. Rahul’s body language suggested that he wanted Kohli to bat longer and celebrate his century to carry the national side over the line.

KL Rahul reminds Virat Kohli of their plan after the end of a 47-run partnership

One of the significant factors for India in any case is the presence of Virat Kohli, whose presence is enough to put pressure on the opposition side. And that was nothing different on March 4 in Dubai. At the start of his innings, KL Rahul was taking singles to tick the scoreboard moving while Kohli’s occasional boundaries were helping India to keep pace in the chase.

Also Read: Pakistan’s T20I Squad vs New Zealand Leaked By Ex-Batter!! Babar Azam Out

The Australian spinners were keeping them in the contest with timely wickets, including Shreyas Iyer’s, who, after a few dry shots into the hands of the fielder, looked to play the cut short on the back foot and took the path to the dressing room.

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli put up a crucial 47-run stand for the fifth wicket and nearly took the blue brigade home. Hardik Pandya’s three amazing sixes against the spinners bailed the Rohit Sharma-led side out of trouble and carried them over the line with four wickets in hand.

When Kohli got out, KL gave an impression of their plan where he was nailing the boundaries and Virat was needed to cream the singles to reach the century. That would have also allowed no more hiccups in the Indian side during the chase.

KL Rahul reveals his regularity of batting at different positions

At becoming a full-time number five for the Indian side, KL Rahul has expanded his range as a middle-order batter with an average of 61.52 since 2020, something which Heinrich Klassen hasn’t been able to do even in his prime form.

But suddenly in the eight-team tournament, the management promoted Axar Patel to number five and dropped Rahul at number six, but the latter adapted to the position and is working on cracking the boundaries a lot more.

“It's after opening the batting in Australia in Test matches [in the last series] and having to face that attack in Australia. And, you know, red-ball [cricket] is much harder. I opened the batting there, and then to come here and bat low seems a bit different, but this is how I've played white-ball cricket in the last four years.” He revealed in a discussion with the broadcaster at the end of the first semifinal.

Also Read: India vs Australia Umpires For Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final Revealed!! India Get This Advantage

“I'm quite used to going up and down the order, so I'm just happy getting a chance to play in the middle and whatever role is given, I think. it's helped me understand my game a lot more.” KL Rahul expressed.

Look at the disappointment on KL RAHUL'S FACE 🥹, when VIRAT KOHLI GOT OUT !!

"Gautam Gambhir's reaction says it all,
GG also missed a century in the finals"😭#ChampionsTrophy2025#INDvsAUS #RohitSharma𓃵 #ViratKohli #KLRahul    #HardikPandya #Shami pic.twitter.com/iFhZOTRM6b

— HARSH VARDHAN (@HARSHUPAL590618) March 5, 2025

India displays collective performance vs Australia

India’s incredible fielding performance and the spinners’ contribution with timely wickets never allowed Australia to get out of their hand in the first innings. Alex Carey’s dismissal kept the current World Champions to 264 in the first innings.

Kohli mastered the entire chase, besides getting full contributions from Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul before Hardik Pandya’s brutal batting carried them to their third consecutive final of the Champions Trophy. They hope to clinch their second title in the event.