KL Rahul Reflects on Pressure and Performance Ahead of England Test Series
KL Rahul Discusses the Challenges of Consistency in Cricket
KL Rahul, following his impressive performances against England and Australia in 2023, shared insights on the relentless pressure players face to prove their worth at every stage of their international careers. The right-handed batsman emphasized that both fans and analysts often focus on a player's most recent performance, intensifying the competition.
Rahul has transitioned from being a stylish top-order batsman to a crucial team player. His adaptability has made him a vital asset to the squad, particularly after his shift to the middle order and his willingness to take on wicketkeeping duties, which were key factors in India's triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, marking their first 50-over title in over a decade.
In a conversation with former England captain Nasser Hussain on Sky Sports, Rahul acknowledged that while consistency is expected from players, it can be disheartening when past achievements are overlooked.
KL Rahul stated:
“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.”
The 33-year-old also recognized that he might face increased scrutiny during India's ODI series against Bangladesh this August. He recalled feeling overwhelmed with emotion during the press conference after the Champions Trophy semifinal.
He further added:
“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; every cricketer goes through it. I got a bit emotional during the press conference (after Champions Trophy semifinal).”
In IPL 2025, KL Rahul represented Delhi Capitals (DC), taking on dual responsibilities as a middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper, while occasionally opening the batting. He emerged as the leading run-scorer for DC, amassing 539 runs in 13 innings at an impressive strike rate of 149.72.
Despite his efforts, DC struggled to make an impact and failed to reach the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, the journey continues for Rahul, who is now gearing up for a significant Test series against England starting June 20. With both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli absent, Rahul finds himself as one of the more experienced players in the squad, adding to the pressure.
The first match is set to take place in Leeds on June 20, followed by a comprehensive English tour that includes matches at Edgbaston (July 2-6), Lord’s (July 10-14), Old Trafford (July 23-27), and concluding at The Oval from July 31 to August 4. It promises to be a busy summer for the team.