KL Rahul’s brilliant performances in the IPL 2025 have sparked a renewed call for his inclusion in India’s T20 squad. Rahul, who has been in stunning form for the Delhi Capitals, has scored 364 runs in eight matches at an impressive average of 60.66. His recent performances have been nothing short of match-winning, with his innings of 41 runs in a challenging game against Royal Challengers Bangalore standing out as a crucial contribution when the team was struggling.
The performance has caught the attention of Delhi Capitals' mentor, Kevin Pietersen, who strongly advocated for Rahul’s inclusion in Team India's T20 squad. Pietersen believes that Rahul, with his current form, deserves a place at number four in the T20 lineup, especially considering his dual role as a wicketkeeper and batsman. Pietersen emphasized that after Suryakumar Yadav, Rahul should be India’s first choice at that position due to his all-around abilities and consistent run-making in the IPL.
Rahul, who has not featured in India’s T20 team since 2022, has had a remarkable turnaround in his game this season. He admitted before the IPL that he had been focusing too much on taking his game forward, but now realizes the importance of focusing on the aggressive nature of T20 cricket—hitting boundaries and sixes. This shift in mindset has translated into his form for Delhi Capitals.
While Rahul is already a confirmed member of India's ODI squad, the T20 format remains elusive for him. With the T20 World Cup next year, the question arises if Rahul will find a place in the squad, particularly as the team transitions with possible retirements of key figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the coming years.
Kevin Pietersen's endorsement comes at a time when India’s T20 squad is brimming with talent at the top of the order. However, his call for Rahul to be given a chance at number four suggests that the batter's blend of skills, maturity, and current form could be the missing piece in India’s T20 setup as the team gears up for the upcoming World Cup.
