With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the Indian cricket team is gearing up for its next big challenge. As the IPL 2025 season unfolds, key decisions loom over the selection of India’s squad for the tournament. One name that has resurfaced as a potential key figure in India’s T20I setup is KL Rahul. Despite not being part of the T20I team since the 2022 World Cup in Australia, former cricketers and experts, including Kevin Pietersen, are backing Rahul for a comeback to the T20I squad.
KL Rahul’s T20I Absence and IPL Comeback
KL Rahul has not featured in the Indian T20I team since the 2022 T20 World Cup, and despite a stellar IPL 2024 season, he was left out of the squad for the 2024 World Cup. However, Rahul’s return to his free-flowing best in the ongoing IPL 2025 has impressed many, including Pietersen, who believes the talented batter deserves a spot in India’s T20I side.
Rahul, known for his adaptability, showed a remarkable shift in his approach to T20 cricket, especially after the burden of captaincy was lifted from his shoulders. In IPL 2025, playing for Lucknow Super Giants, Rahul has returned to his aggressive best, playing match-winning knocks in tough conditions, including a well-paced 77 in Chennai and an unbeaten 93 in Bengaluru.
Pietersen Backs Rahul for the No. 4 Spot in T20Is
Kevin Pietersen, the Delhi Capitals’ mentor, shared his views on Rahul’s potential role in the Indian T20I team, stating that he would have Rahul bat at No. 4. According to Pietersen, with an abundance of top-order options like Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul’s ideal position would be No. 4, where he can anchor the innings while also keeping wickets. Pietersen added, “KL would be my first choice to bat at four and keep wickets for India in T20 cricket.”
KL Rahul’s Journey: From Captaincy to IPL Redemption
Rahul’s journey in T20 cricket has been both illustrious and challenging. His 2018 IPL season remains one of his best, where he accumulated 659 runs at a strike rate of 158.41. However, over the years, his strike rate dipped as he faced challenges, particularly during his captaincy stints with Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants. Yet, without the leadership pressure, Rahul’s performances in IPL 2025 have once again shown the world his true potential.
The Mental Shift: Rahul’s Approach to Modern T20 Cricket
Pietersen acknowledged the significant mental shift Rahul has undergone to adapt to the fast-evolving format of T20 cricket. From a traditionally defensive style to an aggressive approach, Rahul’s ability to adjust has been a testament to his growth as a player. Pietersen praised Rahul for his positive mindset and the way he has redefined his game for T20 cricket.
Looking Ahead: KL Rahul’s T20I Future
As the IPL 2025 season continues, KL Rahul’s performances will undoubtedly be closely monitored by the selectors. With India’s next T20 World Cup campaign just a few years away, Rahul’s inclusion in the team could offer stability in the middle order. The IPL 2025 season could very well mark the resurgence of KL Rahul as India’s T20I stalwart, ready to take on the world in 2026.
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