Indian cricket star KL Rahul expressed optimism about the team’s preparations for their upcoming Champions Trophy fixture during a pre-match press conference here today.
Addressing questions about his fluctuating position in the batting order, Rahul maintained a team-first approach. “It’s about what the team needs in different situations,” he said. “Whether I’m opening or batting in the middle order, my focus is simply on performing the role assigned to me.”
Rahul confirmed the team was largely injury-free, with only minor fitness concerns to be assessed during their final training session. “Everyone has been participating actively in both gym work and practice sessions,” he noted, indicating the squad’s overall readiness.
The batsman highlighted the challenging playing conditions in Dubai, describing the pitches as “notably slow” and difficult for new batters. “It’s tough to rotate strike immediately when you come in,” Rahul explained. “That’s why it’s crucial for set batsmen to convert their starts into substantial innings.”
India’s early arrival in the UAE has given them valuable time to adapt to local conditions. “We’ve had good preparation on similar surfaces during practice sessions, which should serve us well,” he added.
When questioned about their upcoming opponents, New Zealand, Rahul was respectful but confident. “In a compact tournament like the Champions Trophy, every team poses a threat,” he said. “New Zealand has an impressive record against us in ICC events, but we’re focused on our strengths.”
Rahul emphasised the high-stakes nature of the tournament’s format. “Unlike the World Cup, where you have time to recover from setbacks, here every match is decisive,” he stated. “There’s very little margin for error.”
On potential squad rotation before the semifinals, Rahul suggested the team management would likely prioritise match readiness over experimentation. “With such a quick turnaround before the knockout stage, giving everyone game time seems more prudent than making changes just for the sake of it.”
Dismissing concerns about India’s past performances in Dubai, Rahul projected confidence. “We’ve moved beyond previous disappointments and have performed strongly in recent ICC events,” he asserted. “Our approach is to take this tournament one game at a time rather than dwell on history.”
As India prepares to face New Zealand in what could be a pivotal match, Rahul’s composed demeanour reflects a team focused on adaptability for upcoming India vs. New Zealand on March 2nd.
