KL Rahul’s journey in T20 cricket has had many ups and downs, that’s for sure! From heartbreak in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final to almost making the 2024 squad and now, just like that, back into the mix after a sensational IPL 2025, Rahul is set for a full-circle comeback. The selectors would be hard-pressed to ignore Rahul if he brings his IPL 2025 form into the Asia Cup.
An Experienced and Versatile Middle-Order Anchor
Indian middle-order has been enigmatic and hard to figure out، to be frank. Certain players, for example, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, have enhanced their place in the plans, while others are talented, promising, like Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Shivam Dube, but we have not seen sustained performance from them yet. Therefore, KL Rahul exists and can provide the ironing board role. He can bat at the top, backstop an innings, or move into the middle order to assist openers or players who need the support of players around them, like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, etc.
In that exact role, he excelled during his IPL 2025 season for a fresh franchise that year, keeping his head whilst still guaranteeing aggressive batters circled him. Add in his wicket-keeping abilities, and you have a player who provides some positions at once: every team wants this, especially with Suryakumar Yadav coming back from hernia surgery and not in match practice of late. Simply put, Rahul can provide assurance and flexibility, and who knows, could take control of a nerve-wracking win!
Mastering Spin—A UAE Advantage
The Asia Cup 2025 is being held in the UAE, which means spinners will make a significant impact. One of the things KL Rahul has continually shown an ability against is spin. In IPL 2025 alone, he scored a ridiculous average of 103 against spin, with a strike rate of 134, whilst only getting out to spin twice in the entire tournament. Not only is it impressive, it is game-changing.
Against spin-heavy lineups in the Asia Cup, Rahul’s technique isn’t just useful—it could be the tactical ace up his side’s sleeve. He has the knack for rescuing India from tricky situations, reading bowlers, and accelerating when needed. With the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be hosted in India, having a player like Rahul, who can handle spin expertly, also serves as vital prep for the big home event. It’s like having a safety net and a power boost rolled into one.
Modern T20 IQ That Can Change Matches
The T20 format is unforgiving—you have to think, adapt, and execute in real-time. KL Rahul has recently shown that he’s mastered this art. Whether it’s reading pitch conditions, assessing field placements, or switching between anchor and aggressive roles, he’s got the T20 IQ that modern cricket demands.
This adaptability is incredibly rare. In IPL 2025, he constructed innings based on the match situation and adapted to how his team needed him to play. This level of versatility means that against strong opposition or in difficult conditions, Rahul is not just another batter – he is another thought in the plan. Selectors want players who can think quickly on their feet, and Rahul can very much fit the bill.
FAQs
- What makes KL Rahul a must-pick for India in the Asia Cup 2025?
Because of his recent IPL 2025 performance, versatility in batting and wicket-keeping skills.
- What role can KL Rahul play in India’s batting order?
He can bat as an opener or anchor in the middle order, adapting to match situations.
- How does KL Rahul perform against spin bowling?
He excels against spin, averaging 103 with a strike rate of 134 in IPL 2025, losing only two wickets to spinners.
