Suresh Raina backs KL Rahul for T20I comeback

Overview

• Suresh Raina has backed KL Rahul for making a comeback in the T20Is for India.
• Rahul last played a T20I in 2022.
• Rahul had an impressive IPL 2025.

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina has said that veteran wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul has the temperament to make a comeback in India’s current T20I setup. India are gearing up for the upcoming Asia Cup, which will be played in the T20I format.

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However, Rahul has not featured in the shortest format for India since the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup. Despite being an integral part of both the Test and ODI squads, he is yet to make a return to T20Is.

Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's YouTube channel, Raina claimed that he believes Rahul can make a comeback because of his temperament.

"He has worked a lot" - Raina on Rahul

“He scored the runs. See, KL Rahul has a temperament. People think T20 is a very fast game where you only need to hit shots, but the class, temperament, and game awareness he possesses don’t come overnight. He has worked a lot, so I think he will come back,” he said.

Rahul has also worked hard on his white-ball game in recent times. Playing for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, he scored 539 runs in 15 games at a strike rate of 149.72. Importantly, he showed flexibility by batting in both the top and middle order while also handling wicketkeeping duties.

Earlier this year, Rahul expressed his desire to return to the T20I side and reflected on his journey in white-ball cricket.

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“I obviously had some time to think about my white-ball game, I was quite happy with my performances and where I was. Yes, I want to get back in the T20I team and the World Cup is in my mind, but for now it's just trying to enjoy how I'm playing right now," he said.