Follow UsKL Rahul, who played an amazing role of a finisher in both the semi-final and the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, said that he was under tremendous pressure and was ‘sh***ing’ himself while batting in the middle. Rahul was speaking after India won the final by four wickets on March 9 (Sunday) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) in Dubai.
“I don't think I can say this on camera…But I was sh***** myself out there,” Rahul said to Simon Doull after the game.
“In three out of the five games, the games gave me a good time in the middle and a good time for me to be ready for a big moment like this,” he added, giving credit to his exposure as a finisher in the tournament to come good in the final. Rahul scored an unbeaten 34 off 33 balls as India went over the line with six balls to spare.
What Other Indian Players Said?
Hardik Pandya- It's always amazing to win an ICC tournament, especially the Champions Trophy. 2017 was close to my heart. We couldn't finish the job at that time. Pleased with how everyone contributed this time. (On how KL finished the game) Brilliant, calm, composed, took his chances at the right times. I think this is what KL Rahul is. KL Rahul has immense talent. I don't think anyone can hit the ball like he can.
Ravindra Jadeja- My batting number is such that I'm either a hero or a zero. It was important that KL and Hardik did well in that partnership. The wicket wasn't easy going into batting at first. It's an important tournament. Playing for India and winning the Champions Trophy for the country is big. You do regret it when you aren't a part of the winning team. But I'm lucky that I've managed to be fit enough and performed at the highest level in winning the two tournaments, the 2024 T20 WC and this tournament.
Shreyas Iyer - Feeling ecstatic, it’s ineffable, hard to put it into words. It’s my first ICC trophy; I’m out of words looking at everyone. The way everyone has done it, it’s been great. To be honest, I love to play under pressure. I feel like I thrive under pressure. I’ve been getting into such situations, and it was great to contribute to the win.
Varun Chakaravarthy - I do have earrings like Shreyas Iyer (on having earrings); I'll get a new one, though. It was a sudden inclusion (on being part of the XI for the league match against New Zealand). I didn't expect it to turn out like this, a dream come true. The spin was less in the first innings, and I had to be disciplined and just stick to the basics.
Kuldeep Yadav- Luckily, my batting wasn't needed. KL and Hardik did brilliantly. I don't believe in favourite tags, but we have been doing brilliantly. This win is dedicated to our fans. It is easy to say that there are four spinners in the team, but it is very tough to manage four spinners. There was a lot of planning and all credit to Rohit Bhai. Big party tonight.