Australia's legendary speedster Mitchell Starc lavished praise on India wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul after Rohit Sharma-led side won the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 32-year-old wicketkeeper batter played an unbeaten match-winning 34-run knock against New Zealand in the final of the marquee event.
KL Rahul played an important role with his bat and behind the wickets during India's campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Starc praised KL Rahul for his flexible batting positions. KL Rahul, who batted at number six in the ICC Champions Trophy, was featured as an opener in Australia during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 during Rohit Sharma's absence. KL Rahul who featured as a wicketkeeper batter in the Champions Trophy, was featured as a batter in the five Test match series against Australia.
Starc, who will be seen featuring alongside KL Rahul for Delhi Capitals (DC) in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), said that he is excited to play with him.
"KL Rahul is like Mr Fixit for India - He has opened the batting when asked to, batted at Number 6, Kept, fielded, batted in middle order -- he has done just about everything, he has played vital roles, excited to play alongside him" said Starc on fanatics TV youtube channel
KL Rahul delivered the perfect finishing act in every match. He batted in four matches during the Champions Trophy where he scored 41 off 47 balls against Bangladesh, 23 off 29 balls vs New Zealand, 42 off 34 balls against Australia in the semifinals and 34* off 33 balls in the final against New Zealand.
Rohit Sharma-led India remained unbeaten throughout the Champions Trophy as they defeated Bangladesh, Pakistan and New Zealand in their group stage match. In semifinal the Men in Blue defeated Australia to seal their spot for the finale.