'There Is Always A Temptation': KL Rahul Opens Up On His Competition With Rishabh Pant In India Team

KL Rahul has been the preferred choice behind the wicket for the Indian Cricket Team in the limited over format. The Indian batter has played all the matches in the Champions Trophy and is expected to maintain his place in the playing XI against New Zealand.

KL Rahul Has Emerged India's Preferred Choice In ODI Format

Rahul's prominence as a wicketkeeper was witnessed in the 2023 ODI World Cup. In Rishabh Pant's absence, Rahul was given the charge and the 32-year-old didn't disappoint. He was very impressive with the wicketkeeping gloves and also gave a very good account of himself with the bat. He amassed 452 runs at an average of 75.33 and played a pivotal role in India's road to the World Cup final.

Also Read: Steve Smith Chooses Integrity, Revokes Appeal Over Josh Inglis' Disputable Run-Out Effort Against Noor Ahmad

KL Rahul Addresses Competition With Rishabh Pant

Ahead of the Champions Trophy fixture against New Zealand, Rahul opened up on his competition with Pant in the Indian team.

As quoted by the India Today, he said, "There is (competition with Pant), I won't lie. He is a very talented player and has shown all of us what he can do and how aggressively he can play and how quickly he can change the game. So there is always a temptation in the team with the captain and the coach to think if they should play him or play me. For me, whenever I get the opportunity, I try and see what I can do best. I am not trying to compete with Rishabh. I am not trying to play like him, or I am sure when he gets a chance, he is not trying to play like anybody else. He is picked on the basis of how he can play, and the same applies to me."

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan's Dreams Dashed by Rain as Australia Advances to Semifinals After Match Gets Called Off

India became the first team to qualify for the semifinals and will take on New Zealand on Sunday in Dubai. They will seek a perfect finish to their group stage and are already tipped as one of the favourites for the Champions Trophy title.