KL Rahul finished the business in style with a gorgeous six to help India down Australia by four wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal and book a spot in final. It echoed a starkly different scenario from 15 months prior, during the ODI World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad. Facing the same Australian opposition, KL Rahul's performance had been criticised, not for a lack of runs, but for a lack of pace. After India's quick start, Rahul and Virat Kohli were tasked with rebuilding the innings following a cluster of wickets in the ODI World Cup 2023 final.
KL Rahul's redemption after 42-run knock against Australia
While they successfully stabilised the situation, the momentum shifted when Kohli was dismissed. Rahul, seemingly caught between cautious play and aggression, struggled to accelerate. His laborious 66 off 107 balls, featuring only one boundary, contributed to India's underwhelming total of 240. In contrast, Australia's Travis Head capitalized on early fortune, delivering a match-winning 137 off 120 balls, securing a six-wicket victory and the World Cup title for his team.
KL Rahul faced intense criticism following his performance in the World Cup final. However, the Champions Trophy semi-final on March 4, 2025, presented a starkly contrasting narrative. In Dubai, facing Australia once again, the situation was reversed. Travis Head was dismissed for 39, while Rahul, entering the match in a challenging phase of India's 265-run chase, displayed composed control.
KL Rahul, Travis Head engage in tense chat after IND vs AUS Champions Trophy semis
Rahul's unbeaten 42 off 34 balls, punctuated by two sixes and two fours, with an improved strike rate of 123.5, the highest among Indian batsmen that day. This performance not only helped India overcome the lingering disappointment of the World Cup final but also proved Rahul's batting prowess once again.
Meanwhile after the match, Rahul and Head were seen having a tense chat which left the fans curious. Rahul and Head engaged in an extended conversation on the sidelines. However, this time, the roles were reversed, with Head on the losing side and Rahul a key contributor to India's win. After a brief chat both Rahul and Head were seen hugging each other after the chat near the boundary line.
Talking about the match, Rahul's unbeaten 42 not out from 34 balls drove India home against Australia. He arrived at the crease after Axar Patel's dismissal, with India at 178-4 in the 35th over, and formed a crucial 47-run partnership with Virat Kohli. Kohli, who anchored the innings, top-scored with a well-crafted 84 off 98 balls, featuring five boundaries. Hardik Pandya then provided a quick burst of runs, scoring 28, before Rahul sealed the victory with a decisive six off Glenn Maxwell in the penultimate over.
India will now face either South Africa or New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final which is scheduled to be played on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium.
