As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy final against New Zealand on March 9 at the Dubai International Stadium, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak praised middle-order batter KL Rahul for his adaptability, emphasizing his crucial role in the team at number six.
India remains undefeated in the tournament, while the Kiwis, under Mitchell Santner’s leadership, have also been in top form. The final is expected to be a thrilling rematch of the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final, which New Zealand won. Team India will also be looking to avenge past defeats to the Blackcaps in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup semifinal and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship final.
KL Rahul’s Impact in the Tournament
Rahul has been a key performer for India, scoring 106 runs in three innings at an impressive average of 106.00 and a strike rate of over 96, with the highest score of 42* against Australia. This year, he has been batting at number six to accommodate all-rounder Axar Patel at number five, ensuring better resistance against spin.
Speaking on Rahul’s contributions, Kotak stated:
“He can open, bat at number four or five and even at six. He adapts really well. KL is really happy with his role and is ready to do anything for the team. It is also helping him that he is performing since it is a different situation when he bats now.”
At number six, Rahul has accumulated 160 runs in seven innings at an average of 40.00, with a best score of 42* and a strike rate of above 89. His most productive position has been number five, where he has scored 1,299 runs in 31 matches at an average of 56.47, including two centuries and nine fifties.
Praise for Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill
Kotak also commended India’s number four batter, Shreyas Iyer, who has been in excellent form since his return.
“I think he always batted at 4-5. After he came back, he has been absolutely outstanding. He has done really well,” Kotak said.
Iyer has scored 1,773 runs in 40 innings at an average of 52.14, with four centuries and 12 fifties. In seven ODIs this year, he has amassed 376 runs at an average of 53.71, with four half-centuries.
Speaking about vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has not fired in his last two matches despite a strong start to the year, Kotak praised his balanced mindset and adaptability.
“He can adapt to situations really well, rotate strike, take the game deep, attack, etc. He has been brilliant. The way he takes responsibility is brilliant,” he added.
India’s Batting Approach and Handling Pressure
Kotak expressed satisfaction with the team’s batting performances throughout the tournament, highlighting how the openers have given strong starts, the middle order has stepped up when needed, and the finishers have played impactful knocks.
He also stressed the importance of adapting to pitch conditions.
“We have been doing that well. The wicket is the same for both teams. We have the players and experience and should look to play good cricket.”
On handling pressure in big matches, Kotak credited senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami for sharing their experience with younger teammates.
“You learn with experience, but listening to these guys is also great. We do not have to do a lot since most of the things are covered well by the seniors,” he added.
Final Showdown Awaits
With India aiming to continue their unbeaten streak and New Zealand looking to repeat history, the ICC Champions Trophy final promises to be a high-stakes battle between two top teams.