‘The only enemy KL Rahul has is…’ – Former cricketer makes huge statement on India’s wicketkeeper and batter after Champions Trophy exploits

Indian wicketkeeper and batter KL Rahul has been the toast of the nation for his exploits with the bat in the recent Champions Trophy 2025. The 32-year-old was played ahead of Rishabh Pant which raised a few eyebrows. Originally it was said that Pant will be the first-choice wicketkeeper for India in the ODI format. 

Rahul scored 140 runs in the tournament and was dismissed just once. The 32-year-old also pouched five catches but his wicketkeeping was called out on many occasions. Former India player Sanjay Manjrekar has said that Rahul has to continue with his current approach to achieve more success. 

In his chat with ESPN CRICINFO, the 59-year-old said “Very important for him because he was carrying that bogey of that final where he played a little slowly. He had that very candid interview where he said that it haunted him, hurt him. And to have these two innings - what I loved about him was the state of mind when he was chasing. He looked very comfortable”

The former India player added “The only enemy that KL Rahul has is not the bowler but his own state of mind. And he looked very relaxed and he was very happy to just carry on. He has the big shots at his beck and call. So, all that was great to see,"

KL Rahul reveals feelings about keeping to Indian spinners 

The 32-year-old spoke to Sanjana Ganesan in Apex Cricket Body’s official channel after India won the Champions Trophy. Rahul was asked to give his views on keeping to the Indian spin quarter to which he said “Not fun, Sanjana! I have had to squat 200-250 times when these are spinners are bowling."

Rahul also praised the spinners and said “They are high quality. The pitches obviously assisted them a bit, which made them even more dangerous. That makes it even more challenging for me behind the stumps The way they have bowled, they way they have used those conditions have been phenomenal,

When asked to give his views on the massive title win, Rahul said “Title victories are not so easy to get and it's my first one, so I'm over the moon. It's been a complete team effort, all 11-12 players have stood up and their chance and opportunity has come and it's one of the biggest reasons why we have ended up winning the tournament."