India's Semi-Final Triumph in Champions Trophy 2025-KL Rahul, The Unsung Hero

India’s emphatic victory over Australia in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and the unwavering spirit of their players. While the limelight was largely on Virat Kohli’s masterclass knock of 84 off 98 balls, another hero emerged quietly but significantly—KL Rahul. The wicket-keeper batsman played a crucial role in making the innings rock-solid and India's easy 265-run chase at Dubai. His unbeaten 42 off 34 balls proved useful as he led India to a spine-chilling four-wicket triumph.

Non-conventional Review by Navjot Singh Sidhu on KL Rahul

Former Indian player and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu hailed KL Rahul on his flexibility and commitment towards the team by setting a rare but interesting example. KL Rahul, you see, even the spare tyre is not given that much of an opportunity. You use him to stand in as a wicketkeeper, No. 6, opening and then in the case of BGT (Border-Gavaskar Trophy), you use him at No. 3. Then you again open him. Opening in ODIs is easy, but opening in Tests is the most challenging. He is a sacrificial batsman. Aise hi Bhagat Singh bana na. Isiliye uska naam ankit hai (Bhagat Singh was formed like this. That's why his name has been marked). Zindagi apne dum pe jiya jata hai guru, auro ke kandho pe toh janaza uthta hai ("You live life on your own terms, but your dead body leaves on others' shoulders")," Sidhu told Star Sports.

Sidhu's poetic appreciation brought out Rahul's unselfish contribution to Indian cricket, noting how he seamlessly shifted into different roles given to him by the team management.

KL Rahul-The Backbone of India's Chase

Rahul's contribution to the semi-final did not remain limited to getting the game going. His calm knock under pressure, coupled with his ability of enduring the innings, were the key reasons behind India's successful run chase. His calmness at the crease calmed down the Indian fan community as he played some beautiful shots and timed the innings to perfection.

In addition to his precious runs in the semi-final, Rahul also achieved an important career landmark. The stylish right-hand batsman joined India's all-time greats' list after he had scored more than 3,000 ODI runs as he reached 3,000 runs. Having played 84 matches, Rahul has 3,009 runs at a phenomenal average of 48.53 with seven centuries and 18 half-centuries. He is now just 84 runs short of surpassing the legendary Sunil Gavaskar’s ODI tally of 3,092 runs, a feat he is expected to achieve soon.

Virat Kohli’s Chase Masterclass

While Rahul played the finishing role to perfection, Virat Kohli yet again showcased why he is regarded as one of the greatest chasers in modern cricket. Kohli’s 84 off 98 deliveries was a knock filled with determination and class. On a two-paced Dubai pitch, where stroke-play wasn't the most comfortable, Kohli anchored the innings superbly. His pressure-absorbing capability and acceleration whenever needed was showcased again as he led India's run-chase to a successful conclusion.

Kohli’s innings not only helped India cross the line but also saw him achieve yet another milestone in ICC ODI tournaments. This was his 24th fifty-plus score in ICC events, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 23 such scores in just 53 innings compared to Tendulkar’s 58. This feat further cements Kohli’s legacy as one of the most consistent performers in ICC tournaments.

Supporting Contributions in India’s Victory

While Kohli and Rahul dominated the limelight, no one can overlook the work of other players. Shreyas Iyer's closely packed 45 from 62 balls provided much-needed solidity in the middle overs to ensure the asking rate never went out of hand. Hardik Pandya also chipped in with a handy cameo of 28 from 24 balls, using his strength of aggressive batting to maintain pressure in India's favor.

India's urgency to chase 265 in a do-or-die semi-final was a pointer to the robustness of the team and the impact of big players delivering at the right moment.

India Marches into the Final

With this win, India secured the highly anticipated final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The even approach, adaptability, and personal brilliance of the side have been the primary driving factors in their progress till date. During the preparation for the final, the current fitness levels of players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli will determine whether they are able to raise the highly sought trophy.

The triumph over Australia in the semi-final was not so much about genius as an individual but about collective effort that laid bare India's strength and resilience. As KL Rahul became a star one cannot do without and Virat Kohli continued the match-winning innings legacy, India's Champions Trophy campaign is a story of grit, talent, and passion for the game.