‘Whatever I Have Spoken to Him…’: India’s Batting Coach on KL Rahul New Role Ahead of IND vs NZ Final

As India prepares for the much-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 final against New Zealand, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has spoken about KL Rahul new role at No. 6, highlighting how the wicketkeeper-batter has fully embraced the challenge.

For years, Rahul has been a reliable performer in the middle order, particularly at No. 5, where he has amassed over 1,000 runs at an impressive average above 50. However, with the team management reshuffling the batting order, KL Rahul demands that he adapt to finishing games in high-pressure situations.

The change was first implemented during India’s ODI series against Sri Lanka last year, and while it raised some eyebrows, KL Rahul has gradually become a crucial asset for the team. His ability to adjust his game to different situations was evident in India’s semi-final clash against Australia, where he played a vital unbeaten knock of 42 runs, ensuring India’s safe passage into the final.

Batting alongside Hardik Pandya, Rahul added a quick 34-run stand, shutting the door on Australia and proving his worth in the lower middle order. While KL Rahul new role demands a different approach, he has showcased his ability to remain calm under pressure and deliver when the team needs him the most.

‘He Adapts Well, Is Happy in His Role’ – Kotak Praises KL Rahul New Role

With a major final ahead, Kotak expressed full confidence in KL Rahul new role, praising the batter’s willingness to embrace different responsibilities. According to the India batting coach, Rahul’s flexibility is a huge asset for the team.

“He is someone who can open, bat at No. 4 or 5, and now he’s excelling at No. 6. He adapts well and is very happy in the role he is performing,” Kotak said, emphasizing that Rahul has never hesitated to put the team’s needs above personal preferences.

Rahul’s ability to handle multiple roles is not new. Over the years, he has proved his versatility by opening the innings, anchoring at No. 3 or 4, and now finishing games at No. 6. His willingness to adjust to new challenges without hesitation makes KL Rahul new role invaluable to the team.

According to Kotak, having a solid batter at No. 6 has significantly strengthened India’s batting lineup.

“When he starts performing at that number, it benefits both him and the team. It’s a different challenge, but he has taken it in stride,” Kotak added.

A No. 6 batter needs to be highly adaptable, capable of playing different types of innings based on the match situation. Unlike top-order batters, who have the luxury of building their innings, KL Rahul often requires him to accelerate quickly, rotate strike efficiently, and finish games under pressure.

Rahul has shown that he is more than capable of handling this responsibility, as seen in his semi-final knock against Australia, where he rotated strike, found boundaries at crucial moments, and guided India home with minimal fuss.

Why KL Rahul New Role is Crucial for India’s Success

As India heads into the Champions Trophy final, KL Rahul new role will be critical for the team’s success. Over the past few years, India has struggled with finishing games in pressure situations. With the absence of MS Dhoni, the search for a reliable finisher has been ongoing.

KL Rahul new role in the lower middle order adds much-needed stability and experience. His ability to read the game, control the tempo, and execute under pressure makes him a key player in India’s quest for another ICC trophy.

Several factors make KL Rahul new role vital:

Flexibility in Batting Approach

• Depending on the situation, Rahul can either stabilize the innings or accelerate.
• Against Australia, he absorbed pressure and finished the chase calmly.

Partnership with Lower-Order Batters

• KL Rahul allows Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur to play freely.
• His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries makes him an ideal partner in crunch situations.

Wicketkeeper-Batter Combination

• With KL Rahul behind the stumps, India has the luxury of playing an extra bowler or all-rounder, strengthening the team balance.

Experience & Calmness Under Pressure

• Having played in multiple ICC tournaments, KL Rahul new role brings calmness and composure, essential for handling high-pressure moments.

India’s Dressing Room Stays Calm Ahead of the Final

As the countdown to the final begins, Kotak insists that there is no undue pressure on the Indian team. He credits the squad’s experienced core—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Mohammed Shami, and Ravindra Jadeja—for creating a calm and focused environment in the dressing room.

“The seniors talk to the younger players, sharing insights from their 15-20 years of experience. That environment is priceless. Some things you learn with time, but hearing it from players who have been in these situations before makes a big difference,” Kotak explained.

The presence of seasoned campaigners ensures that younger players feel supported, allowing them to focus on their game without overthinking the occasion.

With Rohit Sharma leading from the front, the team is confident and determined to bring home the Champions Trophy.

Can KL Rahul New Role Deliver in the Final?

With the batting order settled and the team in high spirits, all eyes will be on KL Rahul to continue his impressive form. If he can deliver another impactful performance, he could play a pivotal role in India’s bid for ICC glory.

The Champions Trophy final presents the perfect stage for Rahul to silence any doubts about KL Rahul new role. A match-winning knock in the final would cement his position as a key player in India’s long-term plans.

As India prepares for the showdown against New Zealand, fans will be hoping that KL Rahul new role can once again rise to the occasion and finish the tournament on a high.

Can he deliver when it matters the most? The world will be watching. 🚀🏏