KL Rahul Eyes T20I Comeback with Big IPL 2025 Season
KL Rahul, one of India’s most accomplished batters in the shortest format of the game, is setting his sights on a T20I return following his absence from the national squad. The 32-year-old has not played a T20I for India since November 2022, when he was part of the team during the T20 World Cup in Australia. Despite his achievements, including being the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in T20Is, Rahul has struggled to secure a spot in the team after India’s disappointing exit from the 2022 T20 World Cup.
With the upcoming IPL 2025 on the horizon, Rahul, who was not retained by the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for the next season, is determined to use the platform to rediscover his best form and make a strong case for his return to India’s T20I setup. In a recent interview, Rahul expressed his clarity on where he stands as a player, acknowledging the challenges he faces and the work needed to regain his place in the national team.
“I’ve been out of the T20 team for a while, and I know where I stand as a player and what I need to do to get back. So, I look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket, and my aim is to obviously get back into the T20 team,” Rahul stated in a video shared by Star Sports.
KL Rahul’s T20I Legacy
Rahul's record in T20Is is impressive, with 2265 runs from 72 matches, including multiple centuries. He is one of only four Indian batters to have scored more than one century in T20 internationals. Despite this, his form during the 2022 T20 World Cup came under intense scrutiny, particularly after India's embarrassing semi-final loss to England, where Rahul’s batting performance was criticized. Following that setback, he was dropped from the T20I team, with the selectors opting for fresh faces such as Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, and Jitesh Sharma in his place.
The IPL 2025: A Platform for Redemption
Now, with his future in the shortest format of the game hanging in the balance, Rahul is turning to the IPL 2025 as a potential turning point. He believes a strong showing in the upcoming season could secure his spot back in the T20I squad for India. The IPL has often proven to be a great platform for players to showcase their skills and make an impact on selectors, and Rahul is determined to capitalize on the opportunity to impress both the team management and the selectors.
What’s Next for KL Rahul?
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on KL Rahul to see if he can recapture his best form and make a successful comeback to the Indian T20I squad. With his experience, ability to score under pressure, and proven track record, Rahul certainly has the potential to make his case for a recall.
For Rahul, it’s not just about a successful IPL season—it’s about proving to the Indian selectors and fans alike that he still has much to offer in the T20 format.
