Watch- KL Rahul Hilariously Uses Cuss Word On Live TV

Nearly 18 months ago, when KL Rahul walked back to the pavilion with a criticized knock of 66 runs in 107 deliveries against Australia during the final of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, he found a space to spend for a long time.

The Karnataka-born faced a very tough period of life in the next eight months, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where he faced more backlash from the franchise owner for his slow knock. Rahul got the omission from the T20 World Cup side that went on to lift the trophy.

“I am happy to get over the line this time”- KL Rahul

When KL Rahul walked into the middle, the blue brigade had just lost Shreyas Iyer at 183 in the 39th over. The set batter, Rohit Sharma, had already gone back to the pavilion, while an ordinary shot from Axar Patel ended his life in the middle.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand Winner In Champions Trophy 2025 Final Picked By Ex-Pakistan Captain

At the run-a-ball required rate, India could have found themselves at a stiff task, but Rahul didn’t allow that with Hardik Pandya, as they shared a calm 38-run stand in 36 balls. The Bengaluru-born lofted the flighted delivery from Michael Bracewell through the line to clear long-on before driving Willim O’Rourke in front of the square for a boundary.

“I don't think I can say this on camera, but I was s****ing myself at the end. But we still had a couple of batters to come, so I was confident that we could get over the line.” KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 34 runs in 33 balls, expressed.

“But in moments like this and big games, it's more about holding your composure, which we all know about. It's not easy, but I'm happy to win this and happy to get over the line this time. I think I've batted in times like this in three out of the five games. And one of the games I didn't get to bat at all, against Pakistan.” India’s number-six batter addressed.

KL Rahul thanks first-class cricket and BCCI for this reason

Hardik, who was with KL Rahul, towards the end praised the wicket-keeper batter for his immense talent and the sweetness with which he hits the ball, something which he believes others can’t do.

“The game's given me a good time in the middle and a good time to prepare for a big moment like this. It's hard to put in words, but it's just pure skill and the way we've all played our cricket growing up. We've had to face a lot of challenges.” The right-handed middle-order batter, KL Rahul, explained.

“We've had to face pressure from the time we held the bat and from the time we decided to be professional cricketers. I think it's just the first-class cricket, BCCI, how they've groomed every player, every talented player that comes around. They're giving us opportunities and platforms to showcase our skills and to put ourselves under pressure.” KL Rahul revealed.

Rahul... naam toh suna hoga! 😍

A solid performance in the final, just when his team needed it the most! 💪#ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar #INDvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/LpPjSUffHr

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 9, 2025

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Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill delighted with first ICC trophy

Shreyas Iyer, who smashed 243 runs in five innings at an average of 48.60 in the eight-team tournament, was fully satisfied with his first ICC title.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Teases Rohit Sharma Publicly On Losing Consistent Tosses For India

“To be honest, I love to be under pressure whenever there's a challenge. It's just that I've been getting amazing starts in the tournament and not able to get a big one, but at the end of the day, if I'm able to contribute to an immensely satisfying team victory, I'm truly happy.” Shreyas expressed at the presser after the victory.

Gill also went through the same experience. But he lost the batting edge, after a century in the opening clash against Bangladesh. Gill highlights Virat Kohli’s advice in the field.

“I was watching him [Virat Kohli] on the TV when I was a kid, and then playing with him, and seeing the intensity at which he plays, it's just phenomenal to watch. And I think it tells us what the game is all about, giving his everything.” Gill noted.