KL Rahul hits back on questions over his ODI spot; namedrops Rohit Sharma

India keeper-batter KL Rahul has opened up about the constant scrutiny surrounding his place in the ODI squad despite his impressive record in the format. The right-handed batter admitted that his spot is constantly questioned, adding that ODI series are played with long gaps of four to five months.

India defeated Australia by four wickets in the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4. Chasing 265, Virat Kohli played a pivotal role with 84 runs off 98 balls, while KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 42 runs off 34 deliveries. Rahul has been batting at No. 6 throughout the tournament.

A Lot of Times People Forget That - KL Rahul

Speaking to Star Sports after India's victory over Australia, KL Rahul said that he has been batting at No. 5 since 2020. Rahul said that he has to prove himself every time, especially since the ODI series are played with long gaps. He added that questions about his spot resurface whenever India returns to ODI cricket.

"Honestly, I mean it's since I think 2020 I've batted at No.5 and a lot of times people forget that that's where I've been batting," Rahul said (as quoted by ESPNcricinfo).

"And every time I perform in a series and then there's a break from ODI series, ODI cricket and then we come back after four or five months there's a question mark again about 'oh well will he play in the XI, where does he fit' and sometimes I'm sitting there thinking what more can I do," he added.

Rohit Sharma Has Always Supported and Backed Me - KL Rahul

Rahul said that he has played the role assigned to him, despite batting at different positions. He credited captain Rohit Sharma for his support over the last four to five years. Rahul added that Rohit's backing gives him confidence heading into matches.

"Everywhere that I've been asked to play I've played and I feel like I have performed my role. Whatever's been told to me by Rohit [Sharma], Rohit's been the captain for the last four-five years," Rahul continued.

"And whatever he's told me I feel like I've done that to the best of my ability. And I know that Rohit feels the same and he's always supported me and backed me with that. So, there's that confidence going into game that the captain has my back."

KL Rahul and Virat Kohli Played Crucial Role with Fifth-Wicket Stand

During the chase, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli added a vital 47-run partnership for the fifth wicket. They built a crucial stand after Nathan Ellis dismissed Axar Patel for 27 runs. Rahul played the aggressor, while Kohli focused on strike rotation. However, Kohli's knock ended when he mistimed a shot.

India remain unbeaten in the Champions Trophy and have advanced to the final. They will play the summit clash in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. The second semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa is set to take place in Lahore on March 5. The winner of this match will travel to Dubai to face India.

Also read: Watch: Mohammed Shami injured during CT 2025 semi-final? Pacer goes off the field for treatment