'He Is Class Act': Anil Kumble Advices Gautam Gambhir To Allow Star IND Batter Unlock His Full Potential In CT 2025 Final

KL Rahul helped India to get past the final hurdle against South Africa, securing a place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. The Men In Blue will take on New Zealand in the much anticipated summit clash in Dubai on March 9.

Rahul has been Team India's utility man as he has been batting at various positions. The 32-year-old opened with Yashasvi Jaiswal in the Perth Test as Rohit Sharma wasn't present due to the birth of his second child.

He has been a constant in the number five position in the long format, but in the Champions Trophy he has been batting at number six.

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Anil Kumble Wants KL Rahul To Bat Higher Up In Batting Order

Anil Kumble believes Rahul should bat ahead of Axar Patel, which would allow the Men In Blue to use his full potential. In an interaction with ESPN Cricinfo he said, “He [Rahul] should have come ahead of Axar Patel. "I know Axar did a good job of getting that partnership with Virat Kohli but someone like KL Rahul coming in at that stage and this is what he can do - if he gets to 30, he will ensure that you cross the line. He does that and he does that consistently. Yes, he missed out on one opportunity in the last game against New Zealand, but otherwise KL is a class act. This will certainly give him a lot of confidence."

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Anil Kumble Heaps Praise On KL Rahul

Kumble further added that the innings against South Africa will boost KL Rahul's confidence going ahead.

"There is a lot of pressure on him. If he does well, it's expected. If he fails even in one innings, suddenly the whole world comes after him. He was under pressure, even with his keeping in the last game, but today he showed what he is capable of."

This is India's third consecutive final in ICC white ball events and Rohit Sharma and Co. will have the chance to be a part of the cricketing history once again.