KL Rahul (Source: @BCCI/X.com)
Following the horrors of the 2023 World Cup final against Australia, KL Rahul helped India move on with a spirited performance in the Champions Trophy 2025, which the Tri-Colour nation lifted. However, Rahul recently expressed his discontent over being asked to prove his worth again and again.
KL Rahul Disappointed With Critics' Approach
Star Indian performer KL Rahul, who has been at the forefront of Indian cricket for a decade now, has been asked to prove his mettle again and again in the ODI format after some glaring performances in the past.
“Whenever I perform well in a series and then take a break from the ODI circuit, I always face questions upon my return after 4-5 months. People wonder if I’ll even make the playing XI or where I’ll fit into the team. It makes me think at times, ‘What more can I do?’ But no matter where I’ve been asked to play, I’ve always given my best, and I believe I’ve executed my role to the best of my ability,” said Rahul during post match press conference after Champions Trophy semi-final.
Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, with former England captain Nasser Hussain, Rahul expressed that the way he has been treated in the past and again now, is something that comes as a challenge to him.
Rahul openly expressed that he was disappointed with how he has been treated despite putting up some crucial performances for his side. The 33-year-old iterated that whenever he performs in ODI cricket and there's a long gap between two series, his place is always questioned in the side, which is something that baffles him, considering he has been a consistent performer in the 50-over format.
“I don’t mind proving myself all the time. That’s how any sport is – to always perform in every tournament. That’s the case with international cricketers anywhere in the world. But that’s not the hard part – it’s the people who make the decisions who seem to forget what the player has done in the recent tournament. It has been the challenge for me,” revealed Rahul while speaking to Sky Sports.
Rahul Sheds Light On His Emotional Side
The right-hander further added that he is not afraid of proving himself, but whenever people forget what he has done in the past is something that really does not sit well with him, considering he has given his everything to the side that is very dear to him.
However, he admits that it’s not just with him, but all international cricketers, as their performance will be under scrutiny all the time, and he is ready to accept the challenge that comes his way.
The wicketkeeper-batter then opened up about his recent emotional struggle where he said he got pretty sentimental during the press conference after the Champions Trophy semi-final and admitted that whenever his place in the side is questioned, it takes a mental toll on him.
“The next ODI tournament might be after five months because it’s going to be a long English Test summer and you see people writing and commenting ‘we need to look for players who can play the 2027 World Cup or the World Cup after that.’ But it’s not just a challenge for me but every cricketer goes through it. I got a bit emotional during the press conference (after Champions Trophy semifinal) and said that."
The fact that India will be playing the next ODI series against Bangladesh in August is something Rahul is very aware of, as his place will likely be questioned again. Also, the fact that people start questioning his place in the 2027 World Cup even when he has been performing well in ODI cricket.
Rahul will next be seen in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, which begins on the 20th of June after his stint with Delhi Capitals got over in the IPL 2025, where he racked up 539 runs in total but couldn't help his side get to the playoffs this time around.
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