“KL Rahul

KL Rahul’s knock against RCB on Sunday earned Kevin Pietersen’s praise, with the DDC batting coach backing the star to be must-have in India’s T20I playing XI. The Karnataka batter once again proved his worth by top-scoring for DC in the clash against RCB when the rest of the batters failed to fire. Rahul has been in phenomenal form in IPL 2025, having scored 364 runs in 8 games so far.

Rahul must in India’s T20I XI: KP

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Pietersen singled out Rahul as his choice for India’s number 4 and first-choice keeper in T20Is. The DC batting coach hailed the batter’s transformation, noting that he went from playing textbook style defensive cricket to embracing demands of modern T20 cricket beautifully.

“The way KL Rahul is playing now, he would be my first choice to bat at No. 4 and keep wickets for India in T20Is,” Pietersen said.

Rahul has batted with ease when asked to do so at any position for DC in IPL 2025. In fact, his fine form carried on from the Champions Trophy where he was tasked to finish games off for India. Pietersen couldn’t help but heap praise on the hard work that Rahul has put in for his transformation.

“We’ve seen how he finished games for India and nearly sealed the Champions Trophy in Dubai. His transformation, from growing up learning textbook defense to now embracing the demands of modern T20 cricket, is a huge credit to his character. The way he practices, trains, and talks about the game is so positive,” Pietersen added.

KL in IPL 2025 so far