Watch: KL Rahul openly reveals India star he HATES, names smartest cricketer
Published - 25 Feb 2025, 06:42 PM
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Indian batter KL Rahul recently shared some fascinating insights about his cricketing experiences amidst the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 actions across Pakistan and Dubai. KL Rahul has picked the smartest cricketer among Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni.
During an engaging Q&A session with ESPNCricinfo, Rahul named Afghanistan’s spin wizard Rashid Khan as the toughest bowler who has given him sleepless nights. However, when it comes to the bowler who he hates facing in the nets, Rahul picked his Indian teammate Mohammad Shami.
KL Rahul wants to steal Virat Kohli’s signature flick shot
Shami’s pace and movement make life difficult even in practice, and Rahul didn’t shy away from accepting the fact. The Karnataka batter also expressed admiration for the Indian batting icon Virat Kohli’s signature flick shot. Rahul admitted that he would love to add it to his own arsenal.
Looking back at his most memorable Test innings, the right-handed batter picked his century against South Africa in Centurion. Rahul scored 123 runs against South Africa in Centurion as an opener for the first time, and this innings is so special to the batter.
Meanwhile, Rahul once again picked Mohammad Shami as the most difficult bowler to keep wickets against, which highlights the Indian pacer’s unpredictable movement. He also recalled feeling initially intimidated by the former pacer Ishant Sharma in the Indian dressing room, but later he got strong support from him and shared a great rapport.
KL Rahul picks Rohit Sharma as the smartest player
Well, the leadership styles of MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma have always sparked debate among cricket fans and experts. Each of these legendary captains has played a crucial role in taking Indian cricket to new heights with their unique approach to the game.
However, when asked to choose the player with the smartest cricket brain, KL Rahul named Rohit Sharma without any hesitation. According to Rahul, Rohit’s strategic mindset and ability to read the game set him apart from Kohli and Dhoni as a leader, who always stays one step ahead.
On the other hand, Rahul also revealed that the chattiest wicketkeeper he has faced while batting was Australia's Brad Haddin. In the end, on the lighter side, Rahul named the Indian pacer Mohammad Siraj as the biggest bragger of his big-hitting abilities.
The smartest cricket 🧠 according to KL Rahul is...#25Questions pic.twitter.com/9Q14d7Tw2D
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 25, 2025
India eye ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final spot
Notably, Rahul, Rohit, Kohli, and Shami are currently in Dubai, playing in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India hasvealready qualified for the semifinals. They will be next seen in action on March 2 in Dubai when they will face New Zealand in their final group match at the mega event.
Rahul has been preferred over Rishabh Pant in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, the star cricketer justified his selection with his unbeaten knock of 41 runs off 47 balls during India’s six-wicket win over Bangladesh. However, he didn’t get the chance to bat against Pakistan.
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century and Shreyas Iyer’s fifty proved enough for India to beat Pakistan by six wickets on Sunday to ensure their semifinal qualification.
