“Not Rohit, but KL Rahul is the Most Selfless Cricketer,” Says Indian Legend

India secured a thrilling victory against Australia in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025. The match, played in Dubai, saw India winning by four wickets and booking their place in the final. Several players contributed to the win, including KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten till the end and finished the game with a winning shot.

Rahul played a crucial knock of 42 runs off 34 balls, hitting two sixes and a four. During this innings, he also reached 3000 runs in his ODI career. He became the 20th Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone and the third-fastest Indian to do so, surpassing former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Navjot Singh Sidhu Praises KL Rahul

After the match, Navjot Singh Sidhu heaped praise on KL Rahul, calling him the “spare tyre of the car.” He described Rahul as the most selfless cricketer who is always ready to adjust for the team’s needs.

Sidhu pointed out that Rahul has been moved around in the batting order many times. He has opened the innings when needed and has also played in the middle order. Despite frequent changes, he never complained and continued to perform well.

KL Rahul’s Changing Role in the Team

For a long time, Rahul was India’s permanent No. 5 batter in ODIs. However, after Gautam Gambhir became the head coach, the team management gave that position to all-rounder Axar Patel. This pushed Rahul down to No. 6. Despite this change, Rahul accepted the challenge and performed well in his new role.

Sidhu’s comments suggest that while KL Rahul is always ready to adapt for the team, not every player shows the same level of selflessness. Though he praised Rahul, he did not call Rohit Sharma a selfless player.

With India reaching the Champions Trophy final, KL Rahul’s role will once again be crucial. His adaptability and ability to handle pressure make him a valuable asset for the Indian team.