Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded KL Rahul for his adaptability with the bat and his willingness to drop down the order for the team’s benefit. He also emphasized that the Karnataka batter, who has recently taken on wicketkeeping duties in ODIs, is content with his current role in the squad.
Rahul has been batting at No. 6 in the ongoing 2025 Champions Trophy, with left-hander Axar Patel coming in ahead of him. This strategy has sparked mixed reactions, with some experts questioning the decision to have Rahul bat after Axar. However, both players have played crucial roles in India’s journey to the final.
Addressing the media on Friday, March 7, Sitanshu Kotak spoke about KL Rahul’s batting position and reiterated that the player is satisfied with his assigned role. Quoting PTI, Kotak said:
“He is someone who can open, someone who can go at 4 or 5, and someone who is doing what number 6 is demanding. He adapts well and he is very happy in the role he is performing.”
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Expanding on the strategic decision made by the Indian team management, the former Saurashtra cricketer expressed that having a skilled batter like Rahul at No. 6 has benefited the team. The 52-year-old stated:
“When he starts performing at that number that obviously helps him also because it is a different situation he is going in. So, that is great for the team as well. But whatever I have spoken to him, he is happy to do whatever the team requires, and he has been doing that.”
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“With 15-20 Years of Experience, No Pressure on India” – Kotak Ahead of 2025 Final
India clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States but has historically struggled in ICC tournament finals. However, Kotak dismissed concerns about pressure, emphasizing that the team has enough experienced players to manage the situation.
“The seniors, young players… they all talk. That is something very priceless. Rohit, Virat, Hardik, those guys are talking along with Shami and Jadeja. They have 15-20 years of experience. They are talking to the players who have been playing for two or three years. So, some things, obviously, you learn with experience,” the former Saurashtra batter said.
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